Baku: Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency has criticized the 2025 annual report published by the Council of Europe's Platform, citing biased assessments of the media environment in Azerbaijan.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Agency stated that the report contains speculative views, particularly regarding the amendments made in 2025 to Azerbaijan's Law 'On Media'.

The Agency emphasized that the amendments were proposed based on recommendations from society and the media community. The goal is to protect the information environment, enhance the reputation of professional journalists, and improve state regulation concerning negative phenomena in the information space. The Agency highlighted that the amendments include a provision prohibiting expressions in media entity names that contradict public order or ethics, aligning with international practices.

The Agency also stated that there are no restrictions on journalists due to their professional activities in Azerbaijan and that freedom of expression is legally ensured. It pointed out that all citizens are equally responsible before the law, dismissing claims that professional activities are linked to criminal charges as manipulative.

Additionally, the Agency clarified that the registration requirement for media entities in the Media Register applies universally, including to foreign branches, aiming for technical efficiency. The Agency also noted that previous communications regarding defamation legislation were not considered in the report, expressing regret over the reliance on assumptions rather than facts.