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A group of media leaders and experts were presented with an Assessment Document regarding the draft law “On Media” adopted by parliament in the first reading. They express concern that the document opens up broad opportunities for restricting freedom of the media and expression.

Representatives of the media community regard the hasty discussion of the bill by the Milli Mejlis as “disregard for democratic values.” They called on parliament to remove the draft from the agenda and return it for revision. Consideration by the parliament of the draft law without preliminary public discussion contradicts the national legislation, as well as the international treaties of Azerbaijan.

The authors remind that the Law on Obtaining Information, adopted by the Milli Majlis in 2005, was prepared with the participation of experts in media law, local and international community. This law has created favorable legal mechanisms for access to publicly significant information. However, this positive experience was not used in the preparation of the current draft law on freedom of the media.