Recent posts and claims spreading widely in Turkey’s media space, particularly on social media, have caused concern in Azerbaijan. The posts are described as unfounded and inconsistent with legal, diplomatic and ethical standards, and as attempts to damage Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherly relations and create a negative perception of them among the public.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Media and Broadcasting Council made the statement.
The council said it was regrettable and unacceptable that smear campaigns against Azerbaijan had continued at intervals, while biased claims and disinformation were being disseminated easily without any action being taken, despite the high level of relations and mutual trust between the two brotherly countries:
“The posts in question are not random initiatives by individuals. They are part of a targeted campaign carried out through a certain degree of coordination and a unified approach, and managed by particular circles. Such actions not only fall outside legal and ethical standards, but also contradict the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Türkiye. We believe that, as in other relevant cases, a sensitive approach and implementation of legal requirements should also be demonstrated in relation to Azerbaijan.”
The council stressed that Azerbaijan was closely monitoring developments in Turkey’s media and social media sectors. It said that taking relevant measures provided for by law, including considering restrictions on the entry into Azerbaijan of organizers and participants in the smear campaign, could not be ruled out:
“Our public considers it unacceptable to give room to those seeking to damage the historical, political and moral ties, mutual trust and strategic alliance formed between the two states and peoples, and expects practical steps to prevent such attempts.”
Such entry restrictions, if imposed, would represent an administrative response aimed at protecting Azerbaijan’s national interests and preventing campaigns that officials say could undermine bilateral ties. The countries describe their relations as strategic and maintain close cooperation in political, economic, security and cultural fields.
