For the first time ever, the European Human Rights Court (EHRC) found a violation of the right to access to information in Azerbaijan. EHRC held the hearing based on two applications.
The applicant was Rovshan Hajibayli, editor of “Azadliq” (Freedom) newspaper.
Hajibayli asked authorities in Azerbaijan questions regarding the impact of a radiolocation station in Gabala city on the environment. But he was not provided with answers, and local courts in Azerbaijan justified negligence of the authorities.
Hajibayli, relying on the 10th (freedom of expression) and the 6th (right to fair trial) articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, appealed to EHRC with complaints that Azerbaijani state agencies kept information with public importance in secret and local courts unlawfully ruled in their favor.
According to EHRC’s decision, after the ruling comes into force, Azerbaijani government will have to pay 1500 euros to the journalist as compensation.
