The following is a 2 February 2000 ARTICLE 19 press release: STATE TARGETS INDEPENDENT BROADCASTER AS AZERBAIJAN CONTINUES TO WAIVE EUROPEAN STANDARDS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE As President Heydar Aliyev considers whether to sign into law a new media regime which has attracted international criticism, ARTICLE 19 today highlighted the plight of one of the few […]
The following is a 2 February 2000 ARTICLE 19 press release:
STATE TARGETS INDEPENDENT BROADCASTER AS AZERBAIJAN CONTINUES TO WAIVE EUROPEAN STANDARDS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As President Heydar Aliyev considers whether to sign into law a new media regime which has attracted international criticism, ARTICLE 19 today highlighted the plight of one of the few independent broadcasters in Azerbaijan – Radio-TV Sara. Following the forcible closure of the station last October, this week the authorities are trying to confiscate the station’s assets, including the antenna and equipment worth over US$500,000, in lieu of a fine of US$50,000 which the broadcaster is refusing to pay.
Fiona Harrison, Head of ARTICLE 19’s Europe Programme said today: “The continuing harassment of independent media shows that it is still not possible in Azerbaijan to publicly express opinions which run counter to those of the ruling power. We urge President Aliyev to ensure that freedom of expression is guaranteed in law and respected in practice.”
A report from the Azeri Trade Union of Journalists (TUJo) catalogues many incidences of violence and harassment by public officials against media workers in 1999, as well as cases related to content brought to court by public figures, one of which resulted in a prison sentence for the journalist concerned.(1)
Fiona Harrison added: “As an applicant for membership to the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan needs to bring its law and practice into line with the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects freedom of expression at Article 10. Actions such as those outlined above are clear infringements of this treaty, as well as all other international standards, and represent a serious obstacle to Azerbaijan’s chances of acceptance for membership.”
Although formal censorship was abolished in 1998 and there is a constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan, progress on media freedom has been slow. Now it is anticipated that rather than bringing Azerbaijan into line with international standards, the new Mass Media Law, which was approved by Parliament in December 1999 but is now awaiting Presidential approval, will increase opportunities for harassment. According to the international Committee to Protect Journalists, although the new law formally forbids censorship, it outlines several provisions that limit the internationally-recognized right of journalists to practice their profession.
Note for Editors:
(1) ARTICLE 19 will be holding a seminar in Azerbaijan in 2000 to address laws governing criticism of public figures.
