Azerbaijan detains foreign media journalists

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani President’s aide on public and political issues, commented on the recent detention of some foreign mass media representatives by law enforcement bodies, News.az reports.

“Like any other country, the activities of the mass media representatives in Azerbaijan are regulated by law,” Hasanov told AZERTAC.

"Both local and foreign journalists and media representatives should follow corresponding laws, be well aware of their responsibility before the country and society, and not allow any illegal actions,” he stressed.

Hasanov said accreditation rules for foreign media outlets in Azerbaijan were approved on March 18, 2015. He noted that the Foreign Ministry’s website includes a section for online accreditation of foreign mass media outlets, their offices and employees in Azerbaijan.

"Interaz and Euroaz television channels, Voice of America, Meydan TV website and a number of other foreign media agencies and their employees do not follow the rules and work illegally in the country despite repeated warnings. And the recent detention of some foreign mass media representatives by law enforcement agencies is aimed at encouraging them to adapt their activities to accreditation rules,” Hasanov said.

He also added that measures will be taken against those who do not obey to Azerbaijani laws.

It turned out, however, that 3 Meydan TV correspondents, who were detained Sundau, September 20, were now released, Tert.am reports citing Contact.az.

The three journalists were detained at the airport, upon arriving from Kiev and were then taken to the General Department for Combating Organized Crime of the Interior Ministry for questioning.