The Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MEDIA) has dismissed allegations contained in the Council of Europe's 2025 annual report on press freedom as biased and speculative.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the agency's official statement emphasized that the views expressed regarding recent amendments to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Media" do not reflect reality.
What is the true purpose of the amendments to the Law "On Media"?
The statement notes that the amendments to the law were prepared directly based on proposals from society and the media community. The primary goal is to improve the information environment in Azerbaijan and strengthen the media brand and the reputation of professional journalists.
At the same time, the objective is to ensure the flexibility of state regulation in combating negative phenomena within the information space. In response to speculative approaches in the report regarding print media subjects, it was stated that the new provisions are based on international practice.
Specifically, prohibiting the use of expressions in the names of media subjects that contradict public order and morality or mislead users serves to protect both reader rights and brand value.
Is the activity of journalists restricted in Azerbaijan?
The Agency declared that there are no restrictions on the professional activities of journalists in Azerbaijan, and the right to freedom of expression is fully guaranteed by law. In the country, everyone is equal before the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, or professional affiliation.
Regarding specific individuals mentioned in the report, it was emphasized that the criminal and administrative charges brought against them have no connection to their professional activities. Based on publicly available case materials, these allegations were characterized as unsuccessful attempts at manipulation.
Furthermore, the requirement for inclusion in the Media Registry applies to all media subjects without discrimination, including foreign representative offices. This approach is essentially technical and organizational in nature, aimed at streamlining operations.
Media Registry and subjective approaches in the report
MEDIA states that the requirements for inclusion in the Registry as a news agency were formulated based on an analysis of existing practices. This takes into account the unique role of agencies in providing content to both consumers and other professional media subjects.
Regarding the material published by the Council of Europe in 2024 concerning defamation legislation, the official position of the Azerbaijani side was presented to the opposing party that same year.
The statement concluded by expressing deep regret that international reports often ignore official positions and prioritize assumptions and subjective opinions over facts.
Context and Significance
The Law "On Media," adopted in Azerbaijan in early 2022, was designed to systematize the country's media landscape and establish a unified Media Registry. While the government maintains that these reforms are necessary to modernize the industry and protect professional standards against disinformation, certain international organizations have frequently raised questions regarding the registration process.
The Media Development Agency (MEDIA) was established by presidential decree to support the development of the media sector, provide social protection for journalists, and implement state policy in the field of communication. Azerbaijan continues to maintain that its legislative framework is in line with European standards while prioritizing national information security.
