US ambassador in OSCE Baer criticizes deteriorating situation for citizens and media rights in Azerbaijan
Washington remains concerned about the deteriorating situation for civil society in Azerbaijan, including journalists and media outlets, Daniel Baer, US Ambassador to the OSCE, noted in his recent statement delivered to the organization's Permanent Council, Azerbaijani information agency Turan reports.
"We urge Azerbaijan to adhere to its commitments and to respect the rights of individuals, including those working for media outlets, to express their views freely and without fear of reprisal," Ambassador noted.
As the article has it, recent press releases from the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media also outlined actions taken by the Azerbaijani authorities that appeared intended to interfere with independent media and punish critical voices.
According to the article, the Ambassador Baer also said that for December 2014, local NGOs considered at least 12 journalists and bloggers to be political prisoners or detainees, including well-known investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova.
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