Imprisonment of journalists in Azerbaijan: freedom of the press under threat again

Another scandalous event in the sphere of freedom of speech and press has been recorded in Azerbaijan. On June 20, the court of Baku issued a severe sentence to several journalists and media representatives who published a journalistic investigation into the business interests of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The leaders and journalists of the online publication Abzas Media, as well as a reporter from the “Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty” media corporation — a total of seven media representatives — were sentenced to imprisonment.

Those imprisoned and the charges

According to the court’s decision, Abzas Media director Ulvi Hasanli, the publication’s editor-in-chief Sevij Vagifkyzy, journalist Hafiz Babali, “Radio Liberty” journalist and economist Farid Mehralizade were sentenced to 9 years in prison. Correspondents Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova were sentenced to 8 years, and Abzas Media deputy director Mahammad Kekalov to 7 years and 6 months. They were charged with “smuggling”, “tax evasion”, and “legalization of property obtained by criminal means”.

Political motives and public opinion

All accused journalists denied the charges against them and emphasized that there are political motives behind these arrests. They consider this criminal case a political attack organized by the Aliyev regime to directly control the press and exert pressure on free speech and independent journalism. “Radio Liberty” reporter Mehralizade also called the charges fabricated, false, and asked the public and international organizations for help for himself and his family.

International reaction and support for journalists

This situation in the field of independent journalism and freedom of speech was met with strong protest and concern by the international community, journalist rights protection organizations, and human rights defenders. Several organizations are demanding the prompt release of the convicted journalists and the guarantee of press freedom in Azerbaijan.

In Azerbaijan, independent journalism and freedom of speech are once again undergoing a serious test. Investigations related to the business of President Ilham Aliyev are leading to sad consequences for free speech. Court decisions have once again drawn the attention of journalists, the public, and international organizations to the information field and the human rights situation in the country.

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