01 May 2005, 07:52
Another attack on opposition press
Azerbaijan's state-owned civil aviation concern AZAL introduced a ban on sale of opposition newspapers during flights. Besides, the management of the state concern prohibited employees of opposition newspapers from taking part in various activities conducted by AZAL, according to the League of Democratic Journalists.
In his comment on these steps of the concern management, League chairman Yadigiar Mamedli said there was a need to demonstrate unity, solidarity and determination in this case as journalists had when the chief of the Baku Underground had banned sale of opposition newspapers on the subway.
"If national media take up a unanimous and tough position, the head of the state concern will have nothing left to him but change his decision to ban opposition newspapers. If this cannot help either, then however we should try to avoid it, we will have to apply to international structures. And they are sure to exert noticeable pressure," Mamedli said.
Opposition newspapers are sold freely on the Baku underground currently. Opposition media are not going to stay where they are though. Thus, the Ruh Committee to Protect Journalists has lodged a lawsuit against the management of the Baku Underground to claim for damages caused to the publications as a result of suspension of their sale on the underground.
More about freedom of press in Azerbaijan:
Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent
