Azerbaijan, Baku /corr. Trend K.Ramazanova, A.Badalova / The Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth, considers that the freedom of press is followed in Azerbaijan, but the arrest of journalists presents obstacles for the implementation of obligations regarding freedom of expression.
" Azerbaijan has joined many conventions on freedom of expression. However, the arrest of seven journalists shows that the Government of Azerbaijan limits the freedom of expression," said the Head of Human Rights Watch on 17 July in Baku.
Roth advised commuting relevant articles of the Criminal Code to civil responsibility. He added that the journalists could be released on the Day of Press - 22 July.
According to the Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, a strong Government does not use such methods. "The release of the journalists will not be victory for the journalists, but victory for Azerbaijan in following international obligations," Roth said.
