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Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights presents report on Azerbaijan

Politics Materials 29 June 2010 14:04 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan, Baku, June 29 / Trend T.Jafarov /

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, presented his report on Azerbaijan today.

Following a visit carried out in March, the report focuses on freedom of expression and association, conduct of law enforcement officials and administration of justice.

Freedom of expression is curtailed in Azerbaijan today - major improvements are needed, the report says. Furthermore, Hammarberg underlines that decriminalization of defamation is needed to bring the legislation in conformity with European standards.

He recommends that the authorities allow BBC, Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe, Voice of America and Europa Plus radio stations to resume broadcasting on FM waves.

The Commissioner appraised the willingness of the authorities to take steps to facilitate the registration of NGOs.

Hammarberg visited Azerbaijan March 1- 5. During the visit, the Commissioner held meetings with the Azerbaijani officials, and representatives of NGOs and public organizations.

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