OSCE rep calls to improve media freedom
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media,
Miklos Haraszti, has criticized what he called the continuing
imprisonment of media workers in Azerbaijan on ``trumped-up
charges`` and called for the repeal of recently imposed
``restrictive media regulations``, but added that he hoped
statements made by the authorities in meetings signal that these
trends will be reversed.
``The case of the two bloggers, Emin Abdullayev (Milli) and Adnan Hajizade, charged with hooliganism, demonstrates that law enforcement has not yet given up producing undue accusations against critically-minded media workers,`` Haraszti told a news conference following meetings in Baku last week.
At the same time, Haraszti said there was a good chance the bloggers would be freed.
``I have good news for journalists. Ali Hasanov, the head of the Public and Political Issues Department of the Presidential Administration, said the issue will find its positive solution in accord with due process. Based on what I gather from his remarks, Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade will, most likely, be freed.``
The two bloggers were arrested after a brawl at a restaurant in Baku on July 8 and subsequently charged with hooliganism. According to law enforcement agencies, they assaulted two other men. But the opposition and their supporters claim the arrest was politically motivated and due to their critical writings on the internet. A preliminary hearing in the case has been held in a Baku district court, with the next hearing scheduled for September 16.
Haraszti also referred to the cases of Eynulla Fatullayev, the editor-in-chief of the Russian-language weekly Realny Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani-language daily Gundalik Azerbaijan newspapers, and of the editor of opposition newspaper Azadlig Ganimat Zahid, whom he visited in prison. The two are serving prison terms on charges such as posing a terror threat, tax evasion and hooliganism.
During his visit, Haraszti met Ali Hasanov, Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev and Ombudsperson Elmira Suleymanova.
``In my meetings with officials, I was assured that defamation will soon be decriminalized. I was also encouraged to hear that the presidential administration shares my concerns about the bloggers` case. I welcome these statements, and hope that Abdullayev and Hajizade may be released soon,`` Haraszti said.
``For Azerbaijan to improve its media freedom record, law enforcement should be firmly instructed to protect journalists, instead of endangering them through harassment and trumped-up charges.``
The OSCE representative noted that there is a practice of pardoning jailed journalists by the president in Azerbaijan, and it would be useful to apply it.
Haraszti stressed that urgent improvement was also needed regarding the ban imposed, earlier this year, on the BBC, Radio Liberty and Voice of America radio stations from being broadcast on FM radio, which he believes gravely diminishes pluralism, and to new media law amendments which, according to him, gave the government extended rights to interfere with the press.
The three radio stations were removed from the national airwaves on January 1, 2009. The decision, passed by the television and radio broadcasting body, complies with the 2002 law disallowing broadcasts of foreign radio services on national frequencies.
``The case of the two bloggers, Emin Abdullayev (Milli) and Adnan Hajizade, charged with hooliganism, demonstrates that law enforcement has not yet given up producing undue accusations against critically-minded media workers,`` Haraszti told a news conference following meetings in Baku last week.
At the same time, Haraszti said there was a good chance the bloggers would be freed.
``I have good news for journalists. Ali Hasanov, the head of the Public and Political Issues Department of the Presidential Administration, said the issue will find its positive solution in accord with due process. Based on what I gather from his remarks, Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade will, most likely, be freed.``
The two bloggers were arrested after a brawl at a restaurant in Baku on July 8 and subsequently charged with hooliganism. According to law enforcement agencies, they assaulted two other men. But the opposition and their supporters claim the arrest was politically motivated and due to their critical writings on the internet. A preliminary hearing in the case has been held in a Baku district court, with the next hearing scheduled for September 16.
Haraszti also referred to the cases of Eynulla Fatullayev, the editor-in-chief of the Russian-language weekly Realny Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani-language daily Gundalik Azerbaijan newspapers, and of the editor of opposition newspaper Azadlig Ganimat Zahid, whom he visited in prison. The two are serving prison terms on charges such as posing a terror threat, tax evasion and hooliganism.
During his visit, Haraszti met Ali Hasanov, Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev and Ombudsperson Elmira Suleymanova.
``In my meetings with officials, I was assured that defamation will soon be decriminalized. I was also encouraged to hear that the presidential administration shares my concerns about the bloggers` case. I welcome these statements, and hope that Abdullayev and Hajizade may be released soon,`` Haraszti said.
``For Azerbaijan to improve its media freedom record, law enforcement should be firmly instructed to protect journalists, instead of endangering them through harassment and trumped-up charges.``
The OSCE representative noted that there is a practice of pardoning jailed journalists by the president in Azerbaijan, and it would be useful to apply it.
Haraszti stressed that urgent improvement was also needed regarding the ban imposed, earlier this year, on the BBC, Radio Liberty and Voice of America radio stations from being broadcast on FM radio, which he believes gravely diminishes pluralism, and to new media law amendments which, according to him, gave the government extended rights to interfere with the press.
The three radio stations were removed from the national airwaves on January 1, 2009. The decision, passed by the television and radio broadcasting body, complies with the 2002 law disallowing broadcasts of foreign radio services on national frequencies.
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