The Azerbaijan Press Council has strongly condemned the spread of insulting and threatening views regarding Azerbaijan’s state leadership and prominent public figures in several Russian media outlets.
A statement released by the Press Council noted that such materials not only contradict the principles of journalistic ethics but also do not align with the spirit of Azerbaijani-Russian relations and the ties between the media institutions of the two countries.
The Council emphasised that the Azerbaijani media has always approached issues related to neighbouring countries, including Russia, with sensitivity and has not given space to views and claims that contradict professional principles.
«Therefore, the occurrence of such unpleasant incidents in the Russian information space causes deep regret and justified dissatisfaction among the Azerbaijani public,» the statement said.
Addressing the Russian media community and society as a whole, the Press Council called for serious measures to be taken regarding incidents aimed at disrupting Azerbaijani-Russian media relations and, in general, friendly relations between the two peoples.
The statement reiterated that insulting views and threatening claims against the Azerbaijani state, its people, and its prominent representatives are unacceptable.
«The systematic appearance of such materials in the context of strict legislative regulation of the Russian information space is tantamount to their approval at the level of the state policy of the neighbouring country.
The Press Council once again reminds the individuals who use such expressions that they bear legal responsibility,» the statement noted.
The Council also stated that the Azerbaijani media adheres to professional journalism standards when covering events in Russia and attaches special importance to preserving media relations between the two countries.
The Press Council called on the Russian media community and society to take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents.
