Azerbaijan Denies Links to August Hanning Investigation

The Media and Broadcasting Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan dismissed reports linking the country to an investigation involving August Hanning, the former head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service. The Council characterized the claims as disinformation and part of an intensive smear campaign designed to discredit Azerbaijan and damage its developing relations with Germany.

The reports originally appeared in Der Spiegel and were subsequently circulated by international outlets including Reuters, AFP, France 24, The Times, and The Telegraph. The Council asserted that these publications lacked official sources and constituted unacceptable information manipulation.

In response to the coverage, the Council urged international news organizations to adhere to professional journalism standards, specifically regarding accuracy, objectivity, and the verification of information to avoid manipulating public opinion.