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Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis speaks about the freedom of expression in Azerbaijan

11 February 2009 15:13 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Lachin Sultanovaâ€“APA. â€œThe European Convention on Human Rights is provided all people not depending on borders with freedoms of expression and media. If the journalists are arrested for their activity, there cannot be a democracy and freedom of expressionâ€, said Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, speaking about the freedom of expression in Azerbaijan, CE Office in Azerbaijan told APA.
Davis said he was also concerned about journalists arrested in Azerbaijan and urged the government of Azerbaijan to eliminate such cases immediately.

Davis also expressed his concern about some of the amendments proposed to the Constitution of Azerbaijan. He said the amendments to be voted in referendum in March could restrict the freedom of media in future. â€œThere are very extended proposals for protection of a right of privacy and methods contrary to the European Convention could be used there. The Council of Europe can make recommendations on balancing of the right of privacy and freedom of expression, if the governments of the member-states ask itâ€.