A/HRC/11/L.10 page 138 567. Regarding recommendations on the further promotion of religious tolerance, Azerbaijan was ready to share its experience and the existing practice, given its notably high level of tolerance and respect for various ethnic groups and religions over the centuries. The promotion of cross-cultural and interreligious dialogue remained one of the priorities of the foreign policy of Azerbaijan. 568. Azerbaijan had accepted recommendations to improve living conditions further in prisons and to resolve the issues of overcrowding and insufficient health care therein, detailing the measures taken and envisaged in this regard. In May 2009, the new building of the Baku detention Centre of the penitentiary service, compliant with international standards, has been opened for use. At the same time, following the amnesty act of 17 March 2009, 9,000 convicts had been released. 569. With regard to the recommendation to reform provisions on defamation in criminal law, Azerbaijan noted that a special working group, as detailed in its written response, had been established. 570. Azerbaijan disagreed with allegations about alleged pressure or physical violence against journalists and human rights defenders, allegations that had resulted from misinformation. Equality of each person before the law was a fundamental principle, and applied to all, regardless of their professional occupation and work status. However, on the basis of the recent amnesty act, four mass media representatives had been released from detention facilities. The President also issued a decree in April 2009 establishing a State support fund for the development of mass media with $1.625 million. 571. Regarding claims of alleged impediment to the activities of human rights groups, it noted that, as a result of measures taken in recent years, the situation of non-governmental organizations and human rights defenders had improved. More than 140 human rights non-governmental organizations had been registered in Azerbaijan. 572. The delegation had also clarified in its written response to recommendations in this regard that foreign radio broadcasting was not banned in Azerbaijan.