Azernews.Az

Video and audio recordings and photographing people by reporters without their knowledge or permission has been banned in Azerbaijan, according to amendments to the law on the media passed in parliament Friday.
Officials have said the changes merely reflect the addenda introduced during the March 2009 referendum on constitutional changes, but the opposition and a number of media representatives claimed the measure directly restricts journalists’ rights. The opponents charge that once the law is adopted, it will be possible to file numerous lawsuits against journalists.
Though the provision to the media law had sparked a heated debate in parliament, it was ultimately endorsed by the lawmakers, with seven MPs opposing it.
Igbal Agazada, the chairman of opposition Umid (Hope) Party, claimed that the amendments serve to strangling media freedom in the country. "It turns out that, from now on, when I address the Milli Majlis, a journalist will not have the right to record my speech."
Fazayil Aghamali, the chairman of pro-government Ana Vatan party, argued that the legislative changes do not trample on journalists’ rights at all.
"The Law on Mass Media does not impose any restrictions on journalists’ overseeing the work of officials. Opposition representatives, by posing as advocates for journalists’ rights, are, in fact, pursuing their corporate interests," Aghamali said.
A number of journalistic organizations and newspaper editors have appealed to the Azerbaijani president requesting that action be taken to prevent the media law changes from being enforced.*