In an 8 December 1999 letter to President Gejdar Aliev, WAN expressed its serious concern at the potential threat to press freedom posed by the draft Mass Media Law. According to reports, the draft Mass Media Law is awaiting its third reading in parliament and is likely to be adopted without modification, despite opposition from […]
In an 8 December 1999 letter to President Gejdar Aliev, WAN expressed its serious concern at the potential threat to press freedom posed by the draft Mass Media Law.
According to reports, the draft Mass Media Law is awaiting its third reading in parliament and is likely to be adopted without modification, despite opposition from the independent media and opposition parties, and an admission by the drafter of the law that it contains major shortcomings.
WAN is particularly concerned by provisions which will require all mass media outlets to re-register with the Ministry of Justice, rather than the Ministry of Information and Press; which will enable the executive to close media outlets by order and without recourse to the courts; which will empower authorities to challenge media outlets for publishing “insults to the honour and dignity of the state and the Azerbaijani people” or material that is “contrary to the national interest”; and which will enable authorities to decide on which journalists receive accreditation to cover certain events.
WAN is concerned that these provisions are open to abuse and could provide a legal basis for the government to interfere with the free flow of information and opinions.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– respectfully reminding him that freedom of expression is guaranteed by numerous international conventions, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”
– respectfully calling on him to do his utmost to ensure that these restrictive and potentially dangerous provisions do not pass into law
– stating that a press that is free to express opinions and ideas of all kinds is a cornerstone of any democracy
– urging him to ensure that the Mass Media Law fully respects international norms of freedom of expression
Appeals To
His Excellency Gejdar Aliev
President of Azerbaijan
Baku, Azerbaijan
Fax: +99 412 921 763
E-mail: president@gov.az
Please copy appeals to WAN.
