On June 20, 2025, a court in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, issued a verdict against several journalists, drawing the attention of the public and international organizations. According to the court’s decision, seven journalists were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 7.5 to 9 years.
Among those imprisoned are Ulvi Hasanli, head of the publication Abzas Media; editor-in-chief Sevij Vagifqizi; investigative journalist Hofiz Babali; and Farid Mehralizoda, an economist and correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Each of them received a 9-year prison sentence. In addition, Abzas Media reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova were sentenced to 8 years, while deputy director Mahammad Kekalov received 7 years and 6 months in prison.
The court announced that criminal cases had been opened against the journalists on charges of "smuggling," "tax evasion," and "money laundering." However, the accused and their lawyers rejected these allegations and argued that the case was entirely politically motivated. Specifically, “Radio Liberty” correspondent Farid Mehralizoda described the accusations as baseless and made an appeal to the public.
This event has drawn significant attention not only from local circles but also from international human rights and media freedom organizations. Many observers and activists have interpreted the case as pressure on freedom of speech in Azerbaijan.
Discussions regarding the fate of the journalists are expected to continue for some time. The case has once again brought into focus the relationship between the media, government, and society in Azerbaijan. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
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