Azerbaijan Press Council condemns offensive Russian media content

The Azerbaijan Press Council has condemned offensive and threatening material published by certain Russian media outlets targeting Azerbaijan, its people, leadership and prominent figures.

According to Caliber.Az, the Council said such publications and statements run counter to “the principles of civilised journalism, ethical standards and universal human values.”

The Council said such incidents were, regrettably, a constant feature of the Russian media landscape and added: “We believe that this is not in keeping with the spirit of bilateral Azerbaijani-Russian relations and ties in the media sphere.”

The Press Council said Azerbaijani media had consistently taken a sensitive approach to issues concerning neighbouring countries, including Russia, and did not tolerate statements or claims that went beyond professional standards.

It said the publication of such material in Russian media caused “deep regret and justified discontent” among the Azerbaijani public and strongly condemned the actions.

The Council also called on Russia’s media community and public to take serious measures in response to actions aimed at undermining Azerbaijani-Russian media ties and friendly relations between the two peoples.

“We reiterate that offensive remarks and threatening statements directed at the Azerbaijani state, its people and its prominent representatives are unacceptable,” the statement said.

The Council further argued that, given strict legislative regulation of Russia’s information space, the systematic publication of such material was “tantamount to its endorsement at the level of the Russian Federation’s state policy.”

The Press Council also reminded those making such statements that they bear legal responsibility for their actions.

By Sabina Mammadli