The broadcast of the “Space TV” channel will be suspended for 6 hours due to discriminatory statements and hate speech voiced by the host

On 13 September 2025, the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan held an online meeting. The meeting discussed a violation of legislation that occurred on the "Space TV" channel.

Specifically, on 11 September 2025, during the "Khabarin izinda" ("Following the news") program broadcast on the channel from 08:00 to 09:30, the host (the presenter) Saida Bakirkizi violated the requirements of Articles 14.1.4 (prohibition of promoting discrimination) and 14.1.9 (prohibition of hate speech) of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Media" by presenting and discussing news concerning sexual violence against a 16-year-old girl in Agdam.

This fact was identified as propaganda of discrimination and hate speech by the specialists of the Department for Monitoring and Analysis of Audiovisual programs of the Audiovisual Council. In accordance with the relevant procedures, it was confirmed as a fact of violation by the Council’s lawyers.

Members of the Audiovisual Council stated that it is unacceptable for a presenter, when commenting on a criminal incident that has occurred and is being investigated, to express unpleasant opinions about the region where the incident was committed and the population of that region, to investigate emotionally the details of the crime on air without disregarding the legislation and ethical principles of journalism, to mention the name of any settlement while doing so, and to link the crime to that location.

Although the "Space TV" channel muted the part of the host's speech, that contained incitement and propaganda to violence, the broadcast episode contained a considerable volume of violations and hate speech. Taking into account the above, the Audiovisual Council unanimously decided to suspend the broadcast of the "Space TV" channel for 6 hours (from 08:00 to 14:00) on September 16, 2025.

Additionally, the Audiovisual Council strongly condemned the host's sharing of the aforementioned program episode openly on social media and deemed it inconsistent with journalism ethics and professionalism.

The Audiovisual Council emphasizes that all broadcasters must strictly adhere to the requirements of the legislation in their programs and strongly recommends broadcasters to carry out preventive work in this direction with the editorial staff, especially with the presenters.