Ahmad Ismayilov: The rapid development of democratic press in Azerbaijan is directly linked to National Leader Heydar Aliyev

“The advanced media principles laid down by National Leader Heydar Aliyev continue to shape Azerbaijan’s state information policy and remain a top priority,” said Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, at the conference titled “The Role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Media Development.”

He emphasized that following the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence, the country was provided with broad opportunities to guarantee freedom of speech and information, build a democratic and independent press, establish a comprehensive legal framework, and ensure economic sustainability in the media sector.

“Thanks to the political will and tireless efforts of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who returned to power in 1993 at the request of the people, the barriers hindering pluralism and freedom of speech and information were removed,” Ismayilov noted.

He highlighted a key milestone: by Presidential Decree dated August 6, 1998, the General Directorate for the Protection of State Secrets in the Press and Other Mass Media under the Cabinet of Ministers was abolished, effectively ending press censorship in Azerbaijan and opening new avenues for media development.

Ahmad Ismayilov concluded that the enhancement of the legislative framework governing media activities, aligning it with international standards, and the overall formation and rapid growth of a democratic press in Azerbaijan are directly associated with the legacy and leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.