BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 10. Azerbaijan's Media
Development Agency (MEDIA) has taken issue with the 2025 annual
report on press freedom in Europe, released by the Council of
Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of
Journalists, for presenting one-sided and biased evaluations of the
country’s media landscape, Trend reports.


The statement by the MEDIA emphasized that the report’s
commentary on amendments to the Azerbaijani “Media Law” is
speculative. The Agency clarified that these changes were
introduced based on recommendations and proposals from society and
the media community, aiming to strengthen the country’s information
environment, enhance the reputation of media brands, and protect
professional journalists.


MEDIA highlighted that, contrary to the report’s implications,
the amendments ensure that media entities cannot use expressions
contrary to public order, morality, or ethical standards,
safeguarding users’ rights and media brand value in line with
international practice.


The statement also stressed that there are no restrictions on
journalists’ professional activities in Azerbaijan and that freedom
of expression is fully guaranteed both legally and practically. All
citizens, regardless of race, religion, origin, gender, ethnicity,
or profession, bear equal responsibility under the law.


MEDIA further noted that the report’s references to specific
individuals misrepresent facts, as publicly available case
materials show no connection between professional activity and any
criminal or administrative allegations, reflecting attempts at
manipulation.


The Agency explained that the requirement for media entities to
be properly registered and included in the Media Registry applies
to all media entities operating in Azerbaijan, including foreign
media branches, and that these new approaches are purely technical
and organizational improvements.







When forming requirements for registering media entities as
information agencies in the Registry, the analysis of current
practice was considered. The criteria also recognize that
information agencies provide content not only to consumers but also
to other professional media entities, reflecting their unique role
in the media ecosystem.


MEDIA also recalled that regarding the situation with defamation
legislation referenced in 2024 on the Platform, Azerbaijan’s
official position was communicated to the other party in the same
year.


The statement concluded by expressing regret that such reports
on Azerbaijan ignore the official position, rely on assumptions
rather than facts, and are based on subjective opinions and
interpretations.


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