Azernews.Az

Azerbaijan’s media watchdog has claimed that government officials support some "racketeer publications", referring to the unlawful practices by some journalists who abuse their position to extort money or other benefits.
The Press Council said in a statement that 94 such publications have been tracked down in the country, saying it has substantial facts regarding their covert patrons.
"It is particularly disappointing that some people working for state bodies are among their covert sponsors," the Council said. It noted that while the Azerbaijani authorities are working hard to protect freedom of speech and media, patronizing those defying this policy and resorting to various speculations for the sake of one’s own interests is absolutely illogical.
The statement says further that racketeer newspapers are trying to sully the image of the Council’s executives, who are endeavoring to counter their unlawful actions, by publishing insulting and libelous stories.
"In particular, there are publications like Gundalik Baku (Daily Baku) and Tezadlar (Contradictions) as well as the Mozalan magazine, which are crossing the line. These media, which are not confining to suing the Press Council administration, are not even refraining from threatening the Council’s steering board in their every issue."
The media watchdog said any attempts to put pressure on it were futile, pledging to continue its efforts in countering racketeer publications.
The Council condemned the actions of those secretly supporting such media outlets -- either financially or morally -- and said they were undermining its efforts in promoting the environment of civil journalism in the country. *