In an unexpected move, the Azerbaijani government's directive to suspend BBC News' Azerbaijani operations has raised alarms about press freedom in the region.
Azerbaijan Shuts Down BBC News Azerbaijani Operations in Baku
Azerbaijan Shuts Down BBC News Azerbaijani Operations in Baku
Azerbaijan's government suspends BBC's Azerbaijani services, citing press freedom concerns.
The Azerbaijani government has mandated the closure of BBC News' Azerbaijani service in Baku, triggering widespread concern regarding media freedom in the country. The announcement, communicated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the BBC to express deep regret over what it termed a "restrictive move" against press freedom.
BBC News stated it had reluctantly decided to close its office, responding to a verbal order that sought to limit its local staff to a single individual. Consequently, the BBC team in Baku has paused their journalistic endeavors while they seek further clarification. Despite this setback, the organization remains committed to delivering news in the Azerbaijani language.
"We deeply regret this restrictive move against press freedom, which will hinder our ability to report to and from Azerbaijan for our audiences inside and outside the country," a BBC spokesperson emphasized. The corporation has attempted to obtain written confirmation of the instructions from the government but has yet to receive any formal communication.
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the BBC's inquiries. Notably, BBC News Azerbaijani has a significant following, reaching an average of one million viewers weekly, a number that has been steadily increasing since its inception in 1994. Initially focused on radio broadcasts, it has since expanded to various digital platforms, providing balanced news to its audience. This suspension raises serious questions about the future of independent journalism in Azerbaijan.
BBC News stated it had reluctantly decided to close its office, responding to a verbal order that sought to limit its local staff to a single individual. Consequently, the BBC team in Baku has paused their journalistic endeavors while they seek further clarification. Despite this setback, the organization remains committed to delivering news in the Azerbaijani language.
"We deeply regret this restrictive move against press freedom, which will hinder our ability to report to and from Azerbaijan for our audiences inside and outside the country," a BBC spokesperson emphasized. The corporation has attempted to obtain written confirmation of the instructions from the government but has yet to receive any formal communication.
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the BBC's inquiries. Notably, BBC News Azerbaijani has a significant following, reaching an average of one million viewers weekly, a number that has been steadily increasing since its inception in 1994. Initially focused on radio broadcasts, it has since expanded to various digital platforms, providing balanced news to its audience. This suspension raises serious questions about the future of independent journalism in Azerbaijan.
