Press Council calls on Border Service to take action against employee who used force on journalist

"The indecent actions of the officer of the State Border Service, Major Rovshan Jahangirov, against the Baku TV journalists, who were filming a farewell ceremony for service members killed in a helicopter crash, are unacceptable. It is an attempt to obstruct the free activity of journalists," the Press Council of Azerbaijan said in a statement, Report informs.

The Council stated that the efforts of the media outlet to publicize an event of great social and moral significance and gather information on this matter should not be prevented. Behavior with elements of violence against the media is unacceptable. It contradicts the principles of a democratic society, a country where journalism's mission is emphasized in building the rule of law. Unfortunately, such an unpleasant situation has emerged.

"The Press Council of Azerbaijan strongly condemns such treatment against Baku TV staff. The Council draws the attention of the leadership of the State Border Service to the incident and calls on the Service to take appropriate measures against its employee who committed the offense. The Press Council of Azerbaijan also states that Baku TV employees must be sensitive to the situation in order to prevent further such attempts to obstruct the legal activities of journalists in Azerbaijan, which is confidently building a democratic society and the rule of law. The Council hopes that this approach will be reflected in tangible actions, and the incident will be adequately assessed," the statement reads.