Aliyev Rejects Criticism Over Arrest Of Journalists In Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on April 26 rejected criticism over the arrests of journalists and said the fact that people had access to the Internet meant press freedom was assured. "We must protect our media landscape from external negative influences just like any other country, and everyone must comply with the laws," Aliyev told a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a visit to Berlin. Asked to respond to allegations that journalists' rights are being violated, Aliyev said it would be unfair to criticize Azerbaijan, which has hundreds of media organizations and no censorship. To read the full story on RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service, click here.