Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency has issued a statement regarding the decision by the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran to include certain foreign media outlets, including Azerbaijan's state television channel AzTV, on its list of "hostile media organizations" and to threaten criminal prosecution against individuals cooperating with those organizations.

“The inclusion by the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran of certain foreign media outlets, including AzTV, the state television broadcaster of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on its list of "hostile media organizations," and its threats of criminal prosecution against individuals cooperating with those organizations, is a matter of concern.

The Republic of Azerbaijan undoubtedly remains committed to protecting the professional activities of journalists while also adhering to the principle of reciprocity. Under Article 11.4 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Media," if another state imposes special restrictions on the professional activities of journalists registered in Azerbaijan's Media Register, equivalent restrictions may be imposed in Azerbaijan on journalists from that state.

In accordance with the relevant article and the principle of reciprocity, the activities of Sahar TV and Mehr News Agency, as well as their representatives, within the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan are considered unlawful, as they engage in activities contrary to the national interests of the Republic of Azerbaijan and in propaganda against the country's sovereignty, constitutional order, territorial integrity, and national security.

We call on all media organizations and journalists operating in Azerbaijan to refrain from cooperating with the above-mentioned media outlets and their affiliated representatives, emphasizing that international media cooperation should be based on mutual respect and the professional independence of journalists,” the statement said.