Baku: The Media Development Agency of Azerbaijan has issued a strong condemnation against certain French media outlets, accusing them of conducting a smear campaign against the nation. The agency claims that these outlets have published biased and misleading reports about a routine criminal incident, portraying it in a way that distorts public opinion and tarnishes Azerbaijan's international reputation.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the statement from the Media Development Agency points out that the selective presentation of information before and after the court proceedings, as well as the sensational nature of the trial coverage, suggests a politically motivated agenda behind the reports. The agency argues that these efforts by some French media organizations aim to politicize the criminal case and wrongfully involve Azerbaijani officials in what they see as a systematic smear campaign.

The statement further identifies media outlets such as Revue21, TV5 Monde, Le Figaro, and Le Monde as being particularly involved in this campaign, noting their history of proximity to French state circles and previous campaigns against Azerbaijan. It suggests that these actions stem from a concern over Azerbaijan's increasing international influence, and that they reflect a deliberate violation of journalistic ethics.

The Media Development Agency criticizes the emphasis on the perpetrator's national affiliation over the crime itself, arguing that this approach promotes stereotypes and discrimination. They view the media's actions as targeted propaganda efforts, incompatible with the principles of professional journalism, and strongly condemn these actions.