Intelligentsia appeal to Ilham Aliyev, ANS to Nushiravan Maharramli

The appeal says: "The decision of National Television and Radio Council about closure of ANS TV and ANS CM radio made us anxious. Heydar Aliyev repeatedly noted the valuable contributions of this channel to the formation of Azerbaijan state. Mr. President, you also highly estimated the role of ANS in the upbringing of the youth in the spirit of military patriotism. There were a number of attempts to close ANS. One of them was made in 1994. But with Heydar Aliyev's decision the channel began broadcasting. We trust you and believe that you will do your best."

Among those who signed the appeal are Anar, Farhad Khalilov, Sabir Rustamkhanli, Khayyam Mustafayev, Amalya Panahova, Ogtay Mirgasimov, Eldar Guliyev, Ramiz Mustafayev, Rasim Balayev, Chingiz Abdullayev, Habil Aliyev, Arif Malikov, Farhad Bedelbeyli, Fikrat Sadikh, Nuraddin Mehdikhanli, Shafiga Akhundova, Ramiz Rovshan, Fuad Poladov, Yashar Nuriyev, Gabil, Agil Abbas, Musa Yagub, Fidan and Khuraman Gasimovas.

The officers of ANS TV and ANS CM radio also appealed to the president in connection with the event.

According to APA, the appeal signed by over 300 officers, hope was expressed that the president will not allow the destruction of freedom of speech. Besides, founders of ANS TV and ANS CM radio Vahid Mustafayev, Seyfulla Mustafayev and Mirshahin Agayev appealed to the NTRC chairman Nushiravan Maharramli.

The appeal says: "We have always had close cooperation with the council. You yourself confessed it in the early days of your activity. We have decided to appeal to you to remove this misunderstanding. As a person respecting to Azerbaijan’s future, democracy and law we ask to reconsider the decision taken on November 24 by NTRC. We promise to further honor the law."