OSCE welcomes Azeri authorities` efforts to pass libel law
BAKU – OSCE welcomes the efforts made by the Azerbaijani authorities to adopt a law on defamation, OSCE Chairman Audronius Azubalis said at a press conference in Baku on Monday.
"This process has begun. We think that it will be successfully completed. Freedom of speech is one of the priorities of Lithuania's presidency in the OSCE," he said.
A draft law on defamation was prepared in 2005 with the support of the OSCE Baku Office. The working group that prepared the draft included MPs, media representatives and lawyers. The draft law has been studied by the OSCE.
According to international organizations, articles in the Azerbaijani Criminal Code that envisage criminal responsibility for libel and insult should be excluded from the legislation.
Six media organizations asked parliament to adopt a law on defamation in May 2009. Later about 400 media representatives joined the appeal.
Azubalis said that OSCE also intends to provide technical assistance to Azerbaijan in improving the Electoral Code and the law on political parties.
"I have held several meetings in Azerbaijan with the authorities, civil society and political parties. I think that Azerbaijan will reach good results in the area of freedom of speech," he said.
He also welcomes the fight against corruption, which is ongoing in Azerbaijan.
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