On April 30, the Complaints Commission of Azerbaijan Press Council held a meeting, the Council’s official website reported. The meeting discussed the Yeni Azerbaijan party’s complaint against “Azadliq” newspaper without the presence of the latter. The Commission members unanimously argued that in its April 18, 2014 issue the newspaper used unethical expressions about the head of the state. They noted that in its article, the newspaper presented views aimed at humiliation of honor, dignity and business reputation, thus violating the principles and requirements of the Rules of Professional Conduct of Journalists of Azerbaijan. The Commission issued an opinion on announcement of warning to “Azadliq’ newspaper by the Press Council.
Commenting on the issue, Azadliq first deputy editor Rahim Hajiyev told the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety that it is part of government pressure on the newspaper.”The Fund of State Support to Mass Media has refused to cooperate with our newspaper. Now the Press Council announced such a decision. But Azadliq newspaper will stay committed to its course,” said Hajiyev.