Opposition figure Gulu Mammadli stated that the arrest of Ali Karimli, leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), was expected, but the reasons go beyond simple criticism of the authorities. According to Mammadli, Karimli's publications in major Western media have increased his political significance and visibility abroad, which has caused concern among the Azerbaijani authorities.
More than 20 civil society and media activists of Azerbaijan stated that the conditions of registration and control of the Media Development Agency over the activities of the press and journalists are in fact censorship and aimed at suppressing free votes.
During the conference, it was suggested that the members of the Council of Europe, which includes Azerbaijan, should respect their obligations and principles.
Earlier, Azerbaijani experts expressed their opposition to the adoption of the law as restricting freedom of expression in the country. First, consultations were held in Parliament and proposals and amendments were submitted. Then the Venice Commission sent the expertise of the law «On Media», calling for its revision. The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe made the same decision.