Historical background to the document "Speech of the Azerbaijan President Heydar Aliyev at the presentation ceremony of the prize "Friend of journalists" to the Azerbaijani President by "Ruh" Journalists` Rights Protection Committee (Hotel "Hyatt Regency Nakhchivan", March 22, 2002)"


Heydar Aliyev is remembered as a leader, who founded the freedom of speech and press, independent press in Azerbaijan.

“The Decree on the measures to ensure freedom of speech, thought and press” signed by him on August 6, 1998, released mass media from censorship. Signed by Heydar Aliyev in 2000-2001, the Action Program on improving the material and technical base of mass media, the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the freedom of information, on information, on delivery of information and protection on information, on obtaining information on environment gave an impetus to the development of mass media. With the abolition of the Ministry of Press and Information some artificial obstacles for founding the organs of mass media were completely eliminated.

Heydar Aliyev repeatedly issued decrees and instructions to overcome the challenges faced by national press. Thus, “Ruh” Journalists Protection Committee awarded Heydar Aliyev with the Prize of the “Friend of Journalists” on March 22, 2002.

“90 Instants of the Great leader”, Heydar Aliyev Heritage research center, “Sharq-Qarb”, Baku-2013, p.207