"An independent and pluralist media is a key pillar of our democratic societies. However, in recent years, in Europe, there has been an increase in threats and attacks on media. This is unacceptable. We, Council of Europe and member States, must step up our efforts to protect freedom of expression and media freedom and to ensure the safety of journalists", stated Timo Soini, Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (3 May).
The Minister recalled the Committee of Ministers" Declaration adopted on 13 February 2019 which underlined the important democratic function played by quality journalism which "extends the range of diverse, credible, interesting and timely information available to the public and counteracts propaganda, misinformation and disinformation proliferating on social media in particular". [1]
"Functioning democratic processes require an independently informed public and the encouragement of open and inclusive debates. In this respect, we must also address the impact, positive and negative, of artificial intelligence on the exercise of human rights, democratic processes and the rule of law."
The Council of Europe is actively engaged in the protection and promotion of freedom of expression, media freedom, e-democracy and artificial intelligence through its various institutions and bodies. It also supports the Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists, which provides an important framework for co-operation and dialogue between media actors and the member States.
"These issues will remain high on the agenda of the Council of Europe. I am also pleased that the next World Forum for Democracy to be held in Strasbourg on 6-8 November 2019 will be devoted to information and democracy and will provide an open forum of discussion and exchange on this crucial issue for our member States and all Europeans", concluded Timo Soini.
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[1] Declaration on the financial sustainability of quality journalism in the digital age
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I would like to briefly discuss a highly important reform initiated by the Azerbaijani government 10 years ago but remains incomplete to this day.
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In our society, there is no place under the sun for enlightened people. In our society, the place for enlightened individuals is in dark basements. People who ought to spread light are subjected to curses. Their only weapon is their bright ideas. Their only crime relates to daring to uncover truths hidden beneath the societal fog, bringing them to light and acquainting the community with them. Natig Javadli was such a person, a journalist with a historical consciousness and an enlightening activity.
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To welcome 2025 and to mark Azerbaijan’s International Solidarity Day, we are pleased to share this message from Ambassador Libby
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Alaskar Mammadli, a well-known lawyer and media expert, has issued a message to fellow citizens on the occasion of Azerbaijanis' Solidarity Day and New Year from his prison cell, where he has been held since March 2024. Mammadli, arrested on charges of currency smuggling, has denied the accusations, which international media and human rights organizations have labeled politically motivated.
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