Turan news agency director Mehman Aliyev was awarded by Norwegian Human Rights House foundation for his central role in the development of free media and democracy in Azerbaijan.

The award ceremony took place at the media center of the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety. Azerbaijani civil society representatives, human rights defenders, intellectuals, journalists, diplomats, lawyers, representatives of the OSCE and the Council of Europe, and local and international media attended the event.

Maria Dahle, the executive director of Norwegian Human Rights House foundation, praised Aliyev as a journalist, media manager, and citizen. In his acceptance speech Mehman Aliyev declared that the award was not just his, but for all of Azerbaijani civil society.

International human rights and media rights organizations support the ongoing struggle for free media and freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. A number of representatives from opposition and independent media have been awarded by various international organizations.