Ali Hasanov: Amnesty International’s report on state of press in Azerbaijan not real

Ali Hasanov: Amnesty International’s report on state of press in Azerbaijan not real
# 24 January 2007 16:31 (UTC +04:00)
The situation of the press is analyzed in the report. The removal of Azadliq newspaper from its office, closure of ANS TV and radio, Sakit Zahidov’s arrest and other cases are noted there. Amnesty International calls upon Azerbaijani government to fulfill advice of the Council of Europe and OSCE.
President’s Office Socio-Political Department Chief Ali Hasanov told the APA that he is acquainted with the report of the Amnesty International and does not agree with it.
“This report does not reflect reality concerning the state of the press in Azerbaijan. Press in Azerbaijan is free and all newspapers published in the country have the right to write want they want and express their position on any problem. Thousands of crimes happen in every country, some of them may be connected with journalists. It does not mean the pressure on press,� he said.
He said Amnesty International made the report basing on separate press bodies and men and does not consider the report objective. /APA/
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THE OPERATION IS BEING PERFORMED