Freedom of speech in Azerbaijan was in focus of the talks of PACE Monitoring Committee co-rapporteurs Andres Herkel and Joseph Debona Grekh in the course of their Feb. 8-11 visit to the country, Turan news agency reports.

Herkel informed that first they visited bloggers Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada in the penitentiary.

Their case is in limelight of the world press and international community does not believe in fair investigation, co-rapporteur said.

Herkel noted that even if it was fair, the bloggers’ sentence was is inadequately grave, as “it is a wrong choice to put young intellectuals in prison.”

Draft amendments banning taking pictures, shooting and audio-recording without permission introduced to parliament agenda also arouse concern of co-rapporteurs. Herkel stated that the amendments to the Constitution were propounded in March 2009, underlining that international organizations, including the CE Venice Commission opposed the norms limiting journalists’ activities.

“We have discussed this matter with the parliament speaker Oktay Asadov. But we have been assured that the amendments will not mean punishment of journalists for shooting of events. We are still concerned about this matter, because the laws can be abused,” Herkel added.

He also emphasized that the issues related to NGOs registration remain topical in the country, “The problem has not been solved, though the European Human Rights Court has made several decisions on this matter.”

“Non-execution of judgments was the only problem, which the Azerbaijani authorities have admitted,” e-source reads.

Herkel stated that they discussed bloggers’ case, non-execution of judgments and lack of pluralism at the meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.

PACE official informed that they also touched upon the issue on new charges brought against Eynulla Fatullayev. “This case also gives rise to doubts. I would like to say openly that Eynulla Fatullayev’s life may be in danger. I hope that my fears will prove to be wrong,” Herkel concluded.