Azerbaijan’s New Media Law: Is it a threat to freedom? – #Azerbaijans #Media #Law #threat #freedom

Azerbaijan recent processes in the media space have put freedom of speech and expression at risk. In December 2021 Azerbaijan the government significantly restricts media freedom through a new “About Media Law” accepted.

According to this law,Media Development Agency (MIA) has the authority to refuse registration of sites that publish critical articles and reviews on various pretexts. This is an attempt to establish a stronger dictatorship in the country and weaken its democratic position.

The effect of this law is already felt in Azerbaijan. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has identified more than 50 media outlets that are banned from registering with the MIA. This list includes an independent who manages to publish news about corruption, human rights violations, and other topics relevant to Azerbaijanis news sites are also included.

In this article, we discuss how this law has a negative impact on media freedom in Azerbaijan and how citizens react to it. We will also look at what measures can be taken at the local and international level to ensure the protection of press freedom in the country.

Azerbaijan Overview of the Law on Mass Media Adopted by the Government

Azerbaijan government recently which is a direct threat to freedom of expression new “About media law” accepted. According to this law, the Media Development Agency (MIA) news was given full authority to approve and register their sites. As part of this process, the MIA has also been empowered to block websites that publish critical or negative material about the government of Azerbaijan.

Moreover, this process will be overseen by the director of the MIA, who has publicly declared his intention to censor online media and create an atmosphere of fear where no one dares to speak out against the government. This law unequivocally, it is the attempt of the Azerbaijani government to establish a strong dictatorship in which criticism of its own authority is not allowed.

The Role of the Media Development Agency in Limiting Freedom of Expression

Media Development Agency (MIA) any that does not comply with the newly adopted law “On Mass Media” by the Azerbaijan government news is a state agency engaged in preventing the state registration of the platform. This agency, established in 2021, has wide powers.

The law gives the MIA extensive control over media and websites and enables them to:

• For broadcastingdoes not fit” considered censored information
• To court to impose large fines on news organizations and individuals who do not comply with the law offer gives
• Prohibits independent investigative reporting
• Suspends publications, websites or organizations without due process

Finally, these powers build a stronger dictatorship in Azerbaijan, limit people’s freedom of expression and the government’s tales protest any that do protest used to cut off their voices.

New Law Free How Media Violates Rights

The new Media Law adopted by the government of Azerbaijan is a direct violation of media freedom in the country. Law Media Development Agency (MIA) and criticized the government or him protest imposes serious restrictions on the registration, operation and even broadcasting of news sites.

This law has created an environment where only news sites approved by the government are considered credible, and only sites that follow their guidelines are allowed to register. This gives them complete control over what can be published, how it is published and how it is regulated. As a result, this gives them an authoritarian role over media outlets in Azerbaijan and makes it difficult for independent journalists and news agencies to cover the truth without fear of consequences.

In addition, this law also gives MIA staff exclusive powers to censor content they deem inappropriate or controversial. It also effectively prohibits journalists from covering the activities of real opposition leaders or discussing any topics critical of the government. With the existence of these restrictions, citizens of Azerbaijan free deprived of media rights and left with little room to criticize or question the policies or decisions of their leaders.

Implications for Journalists and Activists in Azerbaijan

of the government of Azerbaijan about the media The new law has been widely criticized for restricting freedom of expression. The law requires all news sites to register with the state-controlled Media Development Agency (MIA) and prohibits any site from publishing “accurate or independent” information.

This has serious consequences for journalists, activists and ordinary citizens in Azerbaijan. The law imposes severe restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, which threatens to create a dictatorship in the country. It is also government or other websites political it silences dissent by preventing them from publishing critical articles on issues. Moreover, it also prevents people from participating in important online discussions that can help shape public opinion on important issues.

Ultimately, this law sets a dangerous precedent for other countries to follow suit and further restrict online freedoms in the region. The international community must take a stand against this reactionary media law and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Azerbaijan International Pushback Against Media Law

Azerbaijan the new law “On Media” has been subjected to severe international criticism. of the United Nations on Human Rights Ali Commissioner Michelle Bachelet of the law’s potential impact on freedom of expression and access to information expressed his concern. Europe Josep Borrell, head of the foreign policy department of the Union said that this “Clear violation” of the rights to freedom of expression and free assembly established in the constitution of Azerbaijan and international law was accepted with

Europe The Council’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism also condemned the Media Law and “a major blow to media freedom” he called. The platform noted that the law gives MIA “unfettered authority over the media in Azerbaijan” and allows it to control which news sites are officially registered with the government. This means that only those who conform to the government’s wishes will be able to operate.

In addition, which is an international non-governmental organization that promotes freedom of the press and freedom of information Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Azerbaijan Europe and media workers in Central Asia one of the “biggest prisons”. announced. RSF also criticized the Media Law, as did MIA’s Telegram and Twitter in social networks free said that he will give the authority to regulate internet-based mass media by blocking speech.

Looking to the Future: How to Protect a Free Media Environment in Azerbaijan

As the media environment in Azerbaijan continues to deteriorate, a number of people in the country and around the world are looking for ways to protect a free media environment that allows critical and independent media organizations to flourish.

Finally, ensuring that people have access to diverse opinions is important to democracy everywhere, and that starts with supporting freedom of expression in Azerbaijan.

The result

In conclusion, let us note that the new “Law on Media” in Azerbaijan on freedom of expression like has exerted unprecedented pressure and has the potential for unchecked abuse, the Media Development Agency seeks to prevent any form of criticism of the government from being published. This is a direct violation of basic human rights and a strong indication of an attempt to establish a stronger dictatorship in the country.

This situation should be carefully monitored as it raises serious concerns about press freedom and civil liberties of the Azerbaijani people.

Vusnow Gurdganli, “24 hours“