EUROPEAN COMMISSION: CORRUPTION REMAINS WIDESPREAD AT ALL LEVELS OF AZERI SOCIETY

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 19, 2010 – 18:39 AMT 13:39 GMT

Despite some progress made in the fight against corruption, it
remains widespread at all levels of Azeri society and would require
additional efforts to combat, the communication from the Commission to
the European Parliament and the Council, taking stock of the European
Neighbourhood Policy stated.

According to communication, amendments to the Constitution were adopted
by national referendum in March 2009. The amendments inter alia removed
the limits on the presidential term of office and extended it in a
state of war, which strengthened the power of the executive against
the prevailing European practice and signalled a serious setback on
Azerbaijan’s road to consolidated democracy.

Freedom of expression and media freedom deteriorated during the
reporting period. In January 2009, broadcasting by foreign radio
stations on national FM frequencies was banned, thus depriving the
public of alternative sources of information. In March 2009, the law
on mass media was amended without prior consultation with journalists
or non-governmental organisations, extending the grounds to suspend
the activities of media outlets. The amendments allow interference
by government with the media in ways that are not compatible with
OSCE commitments on media freedom. Further restrictive amendments
were adopted on the law on TV and Radio in April 2009, limiting media
pluralism and including the activities of foreign broadcasters.

Cases of harassment continue to be reported of political activists
expressing independent views. The EU expressed concern over prison
sentences and noted doubtful legal proceedings. Cases of intimidation
of journalists through defamation court proceedings, imprisonment
and threats continued to be reported and were criticized by the
international community including the EU. In March 2009, the Council
of Europe Parliament Assembly appointed a rapporteur on political
prisoners in Azerbaijan. The EU continues to raise these cases with
Azerbaijani authorities.