Azerbaijan, Baku, March 17 / Trend K. Zarbaliyeva /
The relationship between judges, prosecutors and journalists in Azerbaijan have been discussed at the exercises, conducted jointly by the Department of Justice and the Judicial-Legal Council.
Adviser of the Department of Justice, journalist and lawyer, Mrs. Barbara Swann told the participants about the practice of the state in this area during the exercises at the Justice Academy for judges, prosecutors and journalists held on Tuesday.
According to Swann, journalists in the eyes of judges and prosecutors are those who seek sensation and report wrong information. Judges and prosecutors are perceived by journalists as authoritative people, not sharing information. It is impossible to speak to them. According to Swann, these false stereotypes pose serious obstacles to establish relationships between the parties.
She stressed that all countries have to face confrontation between judges, prosecutors and journalists.
"According to judges and prosecutors, the press should be provided with little information. The information given by them will be distorted or exaggerated by journalists. So, they try to keep as far as possible from the media," U.S specialist said.
Focusing on inaccuracy of such an approach, she said that relations improperly estabslished with the media becomes the cause of public dissatisfaction with the work of the judiciary bodies and prosecutors.
"Informing the public about the reforms taking place in the field of justice and law, are implemented through the media. The existence of independent media and judicial authorities is a very important condition in a democratic society," Ms Swann said.
According to her, along with the implementation of measures aimed at preserving the secrecy of inquiry related to any criminal case, prosecutors must inform the public, by maintaining the balance.
An extensive exchange of views related to this topic was held at the meeting.