Azerbaijan’s parliament has approved new amendments to the controversial “Law on Media,” further tightening restrictions on independent journalism.

The changes introduce stricter rules around media registration, naming, and operation, both for domestic and foreign outlets.

According to the new provisions, media organisations can no longer use names that resemble existing outlets or that include phrases deemed contrary to public morality or potentially misleading. Print media entities not listed in the state-run Media Registry are now banned from publishing and may face fines of up to 5,000 AZN.

News agencies are also subject to new requirements. They must now have formal information-sharing agreements with at least 20 media outlets and employ accredited journalists in a minimum of five foreign countries.

Additional rules have been introduced for foreign media operating in Azerbaijan, alongside a clause intended to prevent the spread of false or misleading information.

The bill was passed by the National Assembly on 14 July, despite concerns from journalists and human rights advocates.

Journalist Rovshan Hajibeyli criticised the amendments as irrelevant in the current media environment.

He said the state already interferes with editorial work to the extent that journalists are told how many stories they are allowed to write per day.

“It doesn’t matter what changes they make to the law. It’s all a show,” he said.

Hajibeyli believes the real goal is not reform but complete control over media narratives through loyal outlets that publish only what’s authorised from above.

Since 2023, nearly 30 journalists have been imprisoned in Azerbaijan.

Several outlets - including Abzas Media, Toplum TV, Meydan TV, and Kanal 13 have been targeted in coordinated raids, with staff detained, offices sealed, and equipment confiscated.

International human rights organisations have repeatedly warned of a rapid and ongoing decline in press freedom in the country.