Institute of Media Rights: Azerbaijan has no freedom of press

During the first six months of 2008, 22 violence episodes, including physical and psychological pressure, threats and attacks were committed against journalists in Azerbaijan. The figure is contained in the report named "Legal Status of Media in Azerbaijan", prepared by the Institute of Media Rights and presented today in the press conference.

The most scandalous fact of violence against journalists was the attack on Agil Halil, employee of the "Azadlyg" newspaper on February 22.

"There are no investments into printed media, no opportunities to attract advertisements. Except for Baku, in other regions it's impossible to use the Internet," the report further marks.

The document states the growth of the number of attacks on the criticizing press. Journalists are prosecuted under the pretext of insulting one's honour and dignity and placed behind bars.

The report presents comparative dynamics of offences against journalists in the recent years. Thus, in the first half of 2007, there were 11 such offences, and in 2005 - 10.

In total, in the first half of 2008, the courts passed monetary sanctions against newspapers to the sum of 1,212,000 manats (1.45 million US dollars). Six journalists filed complaints to the European Court for Human Rights.

The report also complains that the Ombudsman in charge of mass media has not been appointed so far, which also does not promote the realization of journalists' rights to obtain information.