The Azerbaijani parliament approved a series of amendments to the criminal code on November 29 criminalising defamation on the Internet, Turan news agency reported. Specifically, the amendments stipulate that insulting the “honour and dignity” of the president using fake accounts and profiles online is punishable with fines ranging from AZN1,000 (€539) to AZN1,500 or with imprisonment of up to three years.
The changes come as Azerbaijani authorities have received increased criticism over their crackdown on human rights. The threat of losing its membership in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) forced Baku to ease its barriers to funding of non-governmental organisations.
While the media in Azerbaijan is heavily censored, the Internet had so far been relatively free, with access granted to publications and social media accounts that were critical of or parodied the establishment. However, that appears to be gradually changing, as the government has blocked the websites of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America, two US-funded publications that have criticised the government.
The government is allegedly also using the media ban to block the dissemination of criticism over its recent increase of gas and electricity tariffs, Turan news agency wrote.
Don’t just follow the news—understand it.
The IntelliNews PRO service includes access to reports, exclusive market data, and more news that decision-makers care about. Stay ahead of the market with IntelliNews PRO.
Sign Up NowRelated Articles
Iran industry minister says central bank should not interfere in trade policy
Iran's industry minister has said the central bank should be stripped of its role in trade policy, blaming foreign exchange interventions for constraining exporters and creating challenges for ... more
Saudi Arabia convenes emergency Arab-Islamic ministerial talks in Riyadh as Gulf War enters third week
Saudi Arabia is hosting an emergency meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers in Riyadh on March 18, as the US-Israeli war against Iran enters its 19th day with no sign of a ceasefire, the ... more
More than 2,000 evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan
Dutch and Algerian embassy staff have been evacuated from Iran into Azerbaijan through the Astara border crossing on March 10, as the total number of people evacuated via the route since the start of ... more