Ali Hasanov: Adopting defamation law does not relinquish journalists of accountability

Adoption of the defamation law does not exempt journalists from accountability, Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Social and Political Department head Ali Hasanov believes.

"Some people believe that adoption of the defamation law exempts journalists from responsibility. But at the same time the law imposes serious responsibility on journalists and media organizations," Hasanov told journalists.

A draft law "On defamation" was developed with the support of the OSCE Baku Office in 2005. A group of developers of the draft law included MPs, media representatives and lawyers.

International organizations believe that Article 147 (defamation) and Article 148 (insult) envisaging criminal liability for insult and slander must be removed from the Criminal Code.

Hasanov said media organizations and their leaders must take greater responsibility in their activities.

"Journalists’ professionalism should be increased," he said. "Otherwise we will witness confrontation between journalists and society".


/Trend/