18+ films in Azerbaijan only to be shown late at night

Azerbaijan has passed a law banning 18+ age-group films from being shown before certain evening hours.

The new law is part of a wider series of legislative initiatives to “protect children from harmful information”.

The new law defines harmful information as ‘Scenes of violence and cruelty, erotica, pornography, profanity, information that undermines the authority of the family and horror films’.

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The law was originally proposed to parliament back in 2017 but was only passed this October.

A panel of experts will determine the age limit for films, shows and other TV materials.

The law strictly defines when certain materials can be shown:

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• Age restricted material in the 16+ age category may no longer be shown from 7 am to 9 pm;
• Materials in the 18+ category will be prohibited from 6 am to 11 pm.

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The symbols 16+ and 18+ have to be present on all age-restricted television programmes.