The topic of the return of forcibly displaced persons to their native lands has been discussed from different perspectives on social networks in recent days. I would not want to go into details, but in fact, it is more appropriate to call it not a discussion but a rain of anger and rage. In any case, there is a regrettable situation at hand.
As the Press Council, this situation is continuously on our radar. We have conducted preventive talks regarding this. Specifically, through the prism of the "Ethical Conduct Rules for Azerbaijani Journalists," we have explained that it is unacceptable to discriminate against people based on their religion, language, race, or place of residence in any form. We have also stated that media representatives and those engaged in information dissemination should be sensitive in their presentations and refrain from using ideas and expressions that could create divisions within society. It is gratifying that our media entities are mostly cautious in such matters and therefore behave professionally.
The Press Council is also aware that presentations with the essence of creating division among our people often provide a "topic" for forces deliberately engaged in such activities.
When paying attention to some recent social network posts, especially on "TikTok," we observe this tendency. It is as if some are lying in wait for someone to say something, so they can turn a spark into a big fire. Such people, at every opportunity, try to undermine our 44-day war Victory and our determination to take ownership of our native homeland, and activate their delusions of portraying the great and mighty nation as a “small community, minor tribe.”
Because of all this, I urge media representatives, independent journalists, and anyone who provides information to society and considers themselves responsible for information dissemination to treat every word and idea they express with responsibility. They must not forget that the responsibility they carry and must understand is extremely important for the prosperity of our country, the inviolability of peaceful and joint living rules in our society, the stability of public and social order, and in a broader sense, the development of our Homeland.
I would also like to note a point that the unpleasant cases we have observed in our information environment in recent days, which we have discussed, also have aspects that should be evaluated outside of the public domain. In other words, if someone, in their public address directed at a mass audience or in a statement addressing the wide public, creates division and discord among our people, the issue is obviously also subject to legal assessment. I sincerely hope this factor will be seriously taken into consideration.
Rashad Majid,
Chairman of the Azerbaijan Press Council
