On June 21st Media Rights Institute (MRI), Azerbaijan Journalist Union and Yeni Nesil Journalist Union held an event in Europe Hotel to celebrate National Press Day.
MRI presented a biannual report on the situation of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. In his presentation, MRI coordinator Khalid Agaliyev touched upon the following issues: defamation lawsuits, freedom of information, internet freedom and the state of media-related legislation.
Radio Liberty correspondent Khadija Ismayilova proposed making an appeal to President Ilham Aliyev for the abolition of newly adopted Azerbaijani legislations restricting access to information.
At the end of the event Hasan bay Zardabi award was presented to a group of journalists by Elchin Shikhli, Chairman of Azerbaijan Journalist Union.