Baku: The Press Council of Azerbaijan has issued a significant appeal to the international community, emphasizing concerns over the operations of Sputnik Azerbaijan, which it claims to be a front for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). The council’s statement, reported by APA, highlights the alleged misuse of media by the Russian Federation as a tool for foreign policy influence.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Press Council’s appeal responds to an open letter from the Russian Union of Journalists, which protested the arrests of Sputnik Azerbaijan employees. The council adamantly refutes the letter’s claims, asserting that the detentions of Sputnik Azerbaijan’s head, Igor Kartavykh, and editor-in-chief, Yevgeny Belousov, are unrelated to journalistic activities. The council alleges that both individuals were collaborating with the FSB, with tasks divergent from journalism, thereby justifying their lawful detention under Azerbaijani legislation.
The council further elaborates on the history of Sputnik Azerbaijan’s leadership, particularly focusing on Vitaly Denisov, a former head with alleged ties to Russian special services. Denisov’s career, marked by his involvement in propaganda campaigns in South Ossetia and Moldova, is cited as evidence of the agency’s purported role in advancing pro-Kremlin agendas and leveraging media resources for Russian intelligence objectives.
The broader implications of such activities are underscored by international reports from organizations like the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, which categorize Sputnik as a key player in Russia’s disinformation campaigns. The agency’s operations have led to its ban in 32 countries, including all European Union member states, reflecting global concerns over its role in undermining political processes.
The council also criticizes the Russian Union of Journalists for neglecting pressing issues within Russia, such as the persecution of independent media. It highlights data from international organizations indicating the dangerous climate for journalists in Russia, with numerous arrests and unsolved murders linked to their professional work.
In conclusion, the Press Council urges international bodies to scrutinize the connections between journalistic organizations and intelligence services, condemning the use of media for political manipulation. The appeal calls for a robust international response to such practices, advocating for the protection of journalistic integrity and independence.