Aliyev: Government ‘tolerant’ to media criticism
BAKU - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has pledged his
government would do its best to protect freedom of speech, saying
the authorities were "tolerant" to criticism.
"We will preserve and defend freedom of speech. The Azerbaijani state and authorities are tolerant to criticism, even to insults. As president, I do not attach importance to this," President Aliyev told the opening of the new Press Council building Thursday.
Aliyev said, however, that circulating false information in the media was unacceptable, noting that such instances were widespread in the past. He emphasized that "this method of political struggle should get off Azerbaijan’s political stage".
Speaking of journalists’ responsibility, the president pointed to the tremendous importance of an unbiased stance in journalism.
Aliyev also said journalists’ rights should be fully protected, and media representatives should not face disrespect or violence.
The 135th anniversary of the Azerbaijani media was marked on Thursday.*
"We will preserve and defend freedom of speech. The Azerbaijani state and authorities are tolerant to criticism, even to insults. As president, I do not attach importance to this," President Aliyev told the opening of the new Press Council building Thursday.
Aliyev said, however, that circulating false information in the media was unacceptable, noting that such instances were widespread in the past. He emphasized that "this method of political struggle should get off Azerbaijan’s political stage".
Speaking of journalists’ responsibility, the president pointed to the tremendous importance of an unbiased stance in journalism.
Aliyev also said journalists’ rights should be fully protected, and media representatives should not face disrespect or violence.
The 135th anniversary of the Azerbaijani media was marked on Thursday.*
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