21 October 2009, 19:00
"Reporters without Borders" enlist Azerbaijan among countries with poor freedom of press
On October 20, the international organization in defence of journalists "Reporters without Borders" (RwB) has published its annual rating list on the freedom of press in the world. The report entitled "Global Freedom of Press Index--2009" rank Azerbaijan in the 146th place among 169 countries.
According to the results of the study, other countries of Southern Caucasus - Georgia and Armenia - take the 81st and 111th places accordingly, while Russia is record-breaking low - in the 153rd place.
In his comments to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent on the outcomes of the RwB's report Emin Guseinov, director of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), said that compared with last year Azerbaijan has improved its rating - from No. 150 up to No. 146.
"However, possibly, the report failed to take into account the latest fact of conviction in Azerbaijan two weeks ago of five journalists accused of defamation. Should this have been done, the country's rating had surely dropped," believes Mr Guseinov.
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent
