Baku Court Rejects Request to Lift Filter on Radio Azadliq in Azerbaijan

A court in Baku has rejected Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's appeal to lift the ban on its Azerbaijan section in the country. The 'Azadliq' website has been filtered since March of last year on charges of 'threatening national security' of Azerbaijan. The website faced criticism from Azerbaijani officials after it published reports regarding the economic activities of the President's family. The blocking of the 'Azadliq' website in Azerbaijan has been condemned by Western governments and human rights groups. However, the court handling the case in Baku announced on Monday, June 4, that the decision by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications and High Technologies to block the website was 'correct' and therefore 'should not be changed.' Thomas Kent, President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, described the blocking of this service in the country as part of a 'deliberate campaign' aimed at silencing the voice and reports of 'Azadliq' in Azerbaijan by a president who has long ruled the country and does not tolerate dissent. The court's ruling also includes the continued seizure of the 'Azadliq' newspaper and the Meydan TV affiliated with the opposition, as well as two internet television programs, all of which have been condemned by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications for inciting 'violence, hatred, extremism, privacy violations, and accusations' against individuals. After the Baku court rejected Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's request, the only remaining option for this media outlet and other blocked media in the country is to file a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights. The European Union previously condemned the blocking of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Azerbaijan section, stating that this action is incompatible with the freedom, diversity, and independence of the media, which are essential for modern and democratic societies. Freedom House, based in the United States, also criticized this action by Azerbaijan, considering it contradictory to President Ilham Aliyev's claims that there is free internet in the country. Mr. Aliyev has held power in this oil-rich country since the death of his father in 2003, who ruled Azerbaijan for many years, and has used an iron fist against opponents and critics during these years. He has consistently denied Western governments' and human rights organizations' criticisms regarding the abuse of power and the imprisonment of his opponents.