Anne Derse: "Situation in the sphere of mass media has deteriorated in Azerbaijan through the last two years"

According to Day.Az, after handing holiday sweets over to the family members, the ambassador noted that all must celebrate Novruz with their families.

Anne Derse said touching upon G.Zahid's arrest that the United States always stress the need for really free and democratic press for the development of the country.

"The murder of Elmar Huseynov, committed several years ago, stabbing of Agil Halil are attacks against freedom of speech. People, who attack reporters, act against the future of Azerbaijan. It is necessary to put an end to this pressure. We see that the situation with mass media has deteriorated through the last two years in Azerbaijan, and atmosphere of fear and impunity has been created", she said.

At the same time she noted that it is time for a dialogue between the civil society, press and authorities.

In turn, Zahid's wife Ayanda Zahidova noted that other countries, as well as international organizations condemn this situation.

"However, there are no definite results. I ask you to meet with President Ilham Aliyev and discuss this issue with him. This might be fruitful", she said.

/Day.Az/