New report: Internet freedom increasingly under attack in Azerbaijan
As policy makers and other stakeholders discuss human rights, internet governance principles, and principles for multi-stakeholder cooperation at the eighth meeting of the Internet Governance Forum in Bali, a new report on the state of ICT and Internet freedom in Azerbaijan is launched by the Expression Online Initiative
Internet freedom is under threat in Azerbaijan. Intimidation and harassment of online activists and bloggers, restrictive laws, obstacles to internet access and politically motivated surveillance are on the rise, says the Expression Online coalition, a consortium of Azerbaijani Freedom of Expression organisations led by the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS).
The report False Freedom: Internet freedom in Azerbaijan after the 7th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) concludes that threats to internet freedom are becoming more diverse as a number of worrisome developments have occurred in the aftermath of the IGF 2012, and in particular, during the first half of 2013 in the run up to October’s presidential election.
The adoption of legislation extending criminal defamation provisions to online content was the single biggest blow to Freedom of Expression online in the post-IGF Azerbaijan.
The targeting by authorities of individuals who used the Internet to voice critical opinions remained a significant threat.
The report is a publication by the Expression Online Initiative, a consortium of Azerbaijani Freedom of Expression organisations led by the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS). The report was developed in cooperation with International Media Support (IMS) and Free Press Unlimited. Read the report here.
