Press Council slams threats against Azerbaijan in Russian media

The Azerbaijan Press Council has strongly condemned the publication of insulting materials and threats targeting the Azerbaijani state, people and leadership in Russian media.

In a statement, the Council said such publications are completely contrary to the spirit of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, as well as to relations between the media communities of the two countries.

“Some Russian media outlets are spreading obscene, insulting and threatening materials and statements against the Azerbaijani state, people, leadership and prominent figures. We consider this completely contrary to the principles of civilized journalism, ethical standards and human values,” the statement said.

The Council expressed regret that such incidents in Russia’s information space have become systematic.

The statement stressed that Azerbaijani media have always demonstrated sensitivity when covering issues concerning neighboring countries, including Russia, and have refrained from statements that go beyond professional principles.

“Therefore, such unpleasant developments in the Russian information space cause deep regret and justified dissatisfaction among the Azerbaijani public,” the Council said.

The Council strongly condemned the developments and called on the Russian media community and public to take serious measures against actions aimed at undermining Azerbaijani-Russian media ties and the friendly relations between the two peoples.

“We once again emphasize the unacceptability of insulting statements and threats directed against the Azerbaijani state, people and its prominent representatives. The systematic appearance of such materials in the context of strict legislative regulation of Russia’s information space is tantamount to their approval at the level of the state policy of the Russian Federation,” the statement said.

The Press Council also reminded the authors of such statements of the legal liability provided for by law.

Stabil.Az