Azerbaijan warns Iran over 'hostile media' list

Azerbaijan warns Iran over 'hostile media' list
Anewz

Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency has expressed concern over Iran’s decision to include several foreign media organisations, including Azerbaijan’s state television channel AzTV, on a list of "hostile media organisations".

Restrictions under media law

In a statement issued on 27 July, the agency said threats by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence to prosecute individuals cooperating with the listed outlets were a matter of serious concern.

The agency said Azerbaijan remained committed to protecting journalists’ professional activities while applying the principle of reciprocity.

The statement cited Article 11.4 of Azerbaijan’s Law "On Media", which allows equivalent restrictions to be imposed on journalists from another state if that state introduces restrictions against journalists registered in Azerbaijan’s Media Register.

Based on this provision, the agency said the activities of Iran’s Sahar TV channel, Mehr News Agency and their representatives in Azerbaijan were considered unlawful.

Baku accuses Iranian outlets of acting against national interests

The Media Development Agency claimed the two Iranian media organisations had engaged in activities contrary to Azerbaijan’s national interests, including what it described as propaganda against the country’s sovereignty, constitutional order, territorial integrity and national security.

The agency also called on media organisations and journalists operating in Azerbaijan to avoid cooperating with the named outlets and their affiliated representatives.

Read more: 

Tags