Press Council of Azerbaijan condemned journalists' methods in covering the incident at İdrak lyceum

The methods of obtaining and disseminating information from students regarding the incident at İdrak lyceum are absolutely unacceptable.

As BAKU.WS reports, this is stated in the official address of the Press Council of Azerbaijan addressed to media representatives.

The statement emphasizes that the actions of journalists completely contradict the "Rules of Ethical Conduct for Journalists of Azerbaijan". According to paragraph 3.9 of the third principle of the rules titled "Protection of Honor and Dignity, Inviolability of Private Life", a journalist should not abuse children's trust, must treat their rights with respect, and should strive not to interview minors without the permission of their parents or legal guardians.

The Press Council, referring to the same paragraph, reminds that a journalist should not publish information or photographs about children's private lives, except in cases where there is a prevailing public interest.

"A journalist is obligated to protect the identity of children who have suffered as a result of a tragedy or criminal act, or who have been involved in such events. Unfortunately, during the coverage of the events that occurred today at İdrak lyceum, this requirement was not observed," the address states.

It was also noted that the interview conducted by media representatives with a student of İdrak lyceum, and the behavior of journalists during filming, violated the fifth principle of the rules - "Protection of the Reputation of the Journalist and the Organization in Which They Work". This principle states that the concept of "public significance" should not be confused with information that is simply "interesting to the public".

"Their actions did not serve the purpose of revealing the true truth about the incident and cannot be regarded as an example of professional conduct," the address states.

The Press Council of Azerbaijan called on journalists not to give in to emotions, to avoid haste, and to act strictly to the point, especially when covering extreme situations and high-profile events:

"One must not forget that sensitivity is the most important criterion of professionalism, and only materials prepared with high professional sensitivity are capable of providing accurate information. Any tendencies contradicting this cause harm to society".