In a move perceived as bizarrely ironic by his critics, Azerbaijan's authoritarian president has been awarded a "Friend of Journalists" prize by local media. President Ilham Aliyev received the award — his second — in an elaborate ceremony on November 24.

Aliyev was chosen based on a survey conducted by the Azerbaijani Committee for Protection of Journalists, as well as other media representatives. He won 89% of the votes, state media reported.

At the acceptance ceremony, Aliyev spoke of his democratic reforms in the country. "Azerbaijan has a free media," he said. "We are interested in further developing it."

He added. "There is no and can not be discrimination against media. There is no restriction on the sale of newspapers. Azerbaijan has free internet."

Aliyev also discussed the importance of media in helping to inculcate young people in a patriotic spirit, according to state media.