Media outlets spreading false information about Azerbaijani army may be penalized

The fines and penalties can be applied in respect of the media outlets in Azerbaijan, spreading false information about the army and the security of the country, member of the Azerbaijani parliamentary committee on national security and defense Siyavush Novruzov told Trend Aug. 23.

Novruzov stressed that he will make a legislative initiative on this issue at the beginning of the autumn session.

Novruzov stressed that some media outlets have been recently disseminating false information about the army and the security of Azerbaijan. He stressed that this form of disseminating the information, without checking, worries parents and misinforms the society.

"Generally, in the world's countries, any information about the army must be verified or one should refer to the press-service of the Defense Ministry," he added. "Otherwise, it is a severe offense. From this point of view, I believe that it is unacceptable to provide any media outlets with unverified information about the army or security as Azerbaijan is in a state of war."

MP said that he will make a legislative initiative on this issue, as the liability for wrong information must be regulated by the law.

"The military law and the law "On mass media" may be amended and supplemented," he added.