The arrest of 6 journalists in connection with AbzasMedia. How did AbzasMedia incur the wrath?

Journalist Elnara Gasimova has been sentenced to a minimum of 2 months and 17 days of preventive arrest by the Khatai District Court in Azerbaijan. The charges, related to smuggling by prior agreement of persons (Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code), stem from Gasimova's association with the publication AbzasMedia, known for its incisive investigations into corruption.

Gasimova, appearing in court in handcuffs, marks the latest in a series of arrests linked to AbzasMedia. The crackdown commenced on November 20 with the apprehension of the site's director Ulvi Hasanli, deputy director Mukhammad Kekalov, and editor-in-chief Sevinj Abbasova (Vagifgizy). Subsequent arrests targeted investigative journalists Hafiz Babaly and Nargiz Absalamova, all charged under the same Criminal Code provision. Gasimova's detention brings the tally of journalists arrested in connection with AbzasMedia to six.

Commenting on the situation in the "Difficult Question" program, Khalid Agaliyev, head of the Institute of Media Rights (IPM), stressed the historical context of the persecution of journalists in Azerbaijan. He cited the repeated arrests of Azadlig newspaper journalists, leading to the eventual closure of the publication, and referenced the plight of "Gündəlik Azərbaycan." Agaliyev argued that while the methods may vary, the underlying theme remains constant: intolerance toward those exercising their right to freedom of speech.

Agaliyev pointed to the tightening of media-related legislation in the last five years, suggesting that the recent arrests aim to bring journalism under the control of the new "On Media" law. He decried the handcuffing of journalists in court as illegal, emphasizing that journalism serves the public interest, making such treatment unacceptable.

Expressing concern, Agaliyev speculated that AbzasMedia's focus on corruption investigations could be the reason behind the persecution. Despite the publication not having a wide readership initially, it had recently gained popularity, drawing attention from authorities. He further highlighted the chilling effect of arresting entire teams from well-known media structures, creating an atmosphere of fear and dissuading aspiring journalists.