Despite some progress made in the fight against corruption, it remains widespread at all levels of Azeri society and would require additional efforts to combat, the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, taking stock of the European Neighbourhood Policy stated.
According to communication, amendments to the Constitution were adopted by national referendum in March 2009. The amendments inter alia removed the limits on the presidential term of office and extended it in a state of war, which strengthened the power of the executive against the prevailing European practice and signalled a serious setback on Azerbaijan’s road to consolidated democracy.
Freedom of expression and media freedom deteriorated during the reporting period. In January 2009, broadcasting by foreign radio stations on national FM frequencies was banned, thus depriving the public of alternative sources of information. In March 2009, the law on mass media was amended without prior consultation with journalists or non-governmental organisations, extending the grounds to suspend the activities of media outlets. The amendments allow interference by government with the media in ways that are not compatible with OSCE commitments on media freedom. Further restrictive amendments were adopted on the law on TV and Radio in April 2009, limiting media pluralism and including the activities of foreign broadcasters.
Cases of harassment continue to be reported of political activists expressing independent views. The EU expressed concern over prison sentences and noted doubtful legal proceedings. Cases of intimidation of journalists through defamation court proceedings, imprisonment and threats continued to be reported and were criticized by the international community including the EU. In March 2009, the Council of Europe Parliament Assembly appointed a rapporteur on political prisoners in Azerbaijan. The EU continues to raise these cases with Azerbaijani authorities.
