Azerbaijan - one of the most dangerous OSCE member-states for journalistsMay 18, 2007 - 14:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - OSCE representative on issues concerning free media Miklos Haraszti condemned pressure on mass media in Azerbaijan. He said journalism profession is not safe in Azerbaijan. "It contradicts commitments taken in front of the OSCE. During recent times we have fixed five cases of imprisoning journalists. Some of them were detained in the court room as soon as the first instance court ruled verdicts," he underlined. Miklos Haraszti stated that Azerbaijan has turned into one of the most dangerous OSCE member-states for journalists. "Some time ago I had a meeting with President Aliev. I told him that the idea of his advisers to increase discipline among journalists aimed at forming more ethic atmosphere in this field through repression is catastrophically wrong. Only freedom of speech and self-regulation of the press will result in increasing professionalism. It's a pity that despite my calls to the President of Azerbaijan, politicians of the country to be more tolerant towards media, Azerbaijan does not observe international standards. I hope authorities will cancel the article "On slander", which supposes criminal responsibility," the OSCE representative informed, BBC reports. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |