Dear colleagues, happy National Press Day!

I welcome respected media representatives, professional and honest journalists from places of detention.

July 22 is an important day for journalists, mass media and teachers of Azerbaijan. 149 years ago, Hassan Bey Zardabi, the great educator, the most valuable thinker, the founder of our journalism, lit the first light for society to come out of darkness, giving humanity the newspaper “AKINCI.”

Looking back, we see that we have come a long way. But we are still far from the goals of the civilized world. We have a long and thorny road ahead of us. In the current conditions, when independent media, free journalism, critical thinking and ideas are perceived with hostility, the fate of those who follow the path of Zardabi is becoming more and more difficult.

In recent years, the press, celebrating the 149th anniversary of its birth, has become completely dependent on the authorities. It has lost the ability to stand on feet and perform the function of social control. Once or twice a year, with scarce funds provided by the state, it is unable to develop nominally and stably.

As a result of the government's incorrect media policy, the country's agenda is discussed and directed at an amateur level on social media, rather than at a professional level in traditional media. Online media and social networks have significantly surpassed traditional media in shaping public opinion in the country.

Although Azerbaijan unequivocally recognizes that freedom of the media and expression are inviolable, according to its Constitution, in practice it does the opposite. The brutal interference with press freedom continues without any legitimate reason, without any attempt to justify it from a legal point of view.

The task of a journalist is to criticize and point out mistakes. A journalist does not become a journalist when he simply praises, on the contrary, he becomes a journalist when he informs society and controls the activities of government and management structures.

Currently, free media is largely closed, as some people are concerned about informing the public and exercising public control. It is wrong to suspend the activities of a journalist with the help of ridiculous accusations of smuggling, illegal construction of houses, criticism of the police. No one believes these accusations, even those who make them.

I regret that the active and honest part of society does not have the ability to stop these negative approaches, and some reactionary forces abuse their power.

Our young colleagues in prisons are experiencing physical pain and a heavy blow from silencing the free field. I would really like to release innocent journalists as soon as possible and end the tradition of arresting journalists for their professional activities.

The authorities must not forget that one day they will face the political and legal consequences of this lawlessness. They will definitely fall into the hole they dug. Because this leads to the accumulation of negative capital for the country's image.

Today I respectfully remember the thinkers who served the development of the Azerbaijani press and the enlightenment of society, led by Hasan Bey Zardabi. Congratulations to all worthy writers, intellectuals, members of civil society and all those who understand the responsibility of freedom of speech.

Alesker Mammadli,

lawyer, media expert.