From this month on, the Azerbaijani Council of Press intends to organize a number of events which can help liberalize information environment, with regard to preparedness of society and journalists to defamation. Aflatun Amashov, the director of the Council of Press said to Trend News.

“There is serious need to hold dialogues on certain issues between journalists and officials. Initially, we have to define the preparedness of the journalists to defamation. I think after that it is possible to pass a bill “About defamation” for public discussion and come to a certain agreement”- added the director of the council.

The reference of Trend News: the bill on “About defamation” has been prepared with the support of the OSCE Baku office. The working group which prepared it includes Deputies Ganira Pashayeva, Azay Guliyev, members of journalism organizations and lawyers.

The international organizations consider that, the articles 147(slander) and 148(insult) which contemplate criminal responsibility due to insult and slander, must be taken out from the Criminal Code. Amashov said that it is also meant to hold joint events with other international organizations with regard to the bill on “About defamation”. “We will hold these discussions both in Baku and in the regions. For the present, this matter is one of the priorities”- stressed the director of the council.