Can criticism of Russia be banned in Azerbaijan? |

Moscow and Baku between information “behind the scenes” of the security agreement

During Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit to Baku on June 2,Azerbaijan With the Government of the Republic Russia International between the Government of the Federation information Agreement on cooperation in the field of security “was signed.

According to the agreement, the parties will maintain security and stability, mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and inviolability of state borders, peace in disputes and conflicts. way regulation, non-use of force and threats, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, etc. will cooperate in various fields.

While some experts say the deal will work, Russia in the context of relations with Armenia in the press To Azerbaijan propaganda against the separatists in the Karabakh region Russia They said they would not be covered in the media.

However, experts Azerbaijan They do not rule out that a number of restrictions will be imposed on Russia in the media.

It is believed that in the news about the war in Ukraine as a result of Russian aggression Azerbaijan The government is seriously self-censoring the media offer can do.

Pro-government media outlets to be banned

“TuranShahin Hajiyev, the editor of the news agency, also does not rule out that pro-government media outlets will be banned on Russia:

“Of course, pro-government media outlets will be banned. Free and it is not possible to apply these bans to the opposition press. The point is that Baku From Moscow, especially in materials related to Karabakh Of Azerbaijan wants their interests to be expected. In turn, Russia wants to reduce criticism of Moscow in the Azerbaijani media as much as possible.

At the same time, Shahin Hajiyev thinks that this agreement is in the context of relations with Armenia in the Russian media Of Azerbaijan The writings against it, though incomplete, may be quite restrictive.

“I do not believe it will end completely, but it will be quite restrictive. If any informationor if a comment is spread, it will be considered an order from the Kremlin. Suppose that the press used to publish what it knew, but this time it will be prevented. Because there is a serious censorship in Russia and those who violate it will be punished, “Shahin Hajiyev said.

According to him, whether the agreement is working or not political will depend on the will and the international situation.

The editor believes that if Russia does not like something or does not need it, it will break it.

“The agreement will be temporary”

Political Commentator Azer Gasimli does not consider the application of sanctions in Azerbaijan at this sensitive time convincing:

“However, in agreement with Russia, the pro-Kremlin media will be banned from publishing material that the Kremlin does not want and does not meet its interests.”

Azer Gasimli says that within the framework of the agreement Of Azerbaijan Materials that do not meet the interests of the Karabakh issue will be temporarily prevented:

“It simply came to our notice then Baku He also asked Russia to take the same step.

The political scientist believes that this agreement is temporary and will depend on the war in Ukraine:

“If Russia begins to lose the war or becomes isolated, Azerbaijan will not fulfill its obligations.”

According to Azer Gasimli, another option is that if Russia becomes stronger tomorrow, it will withdraw from the agreement and To Azerbaijan will make demands:

“That is, he will give up his pro-Armenian policy and take the same steps as before.”