Ulvi Hasanli was detained. Have the authorities started the persecution of socio-political activists?

Bakı/20.11.23/Turan: Ulvi Hasanli, the director of the online publication Abzas Media, reportedly went missing early this morning, sparking concerns over his whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. According to Sevinj Vagifgizi, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper, Hasanli was scheduled to depart abroad today but did not board his flight.

"Ulvi left his residence at 4:30 AM and headed to the airport. However, he did not board the plane, and all contact with him was lost. I believe that he may have been detained at the airport," Vagifgizi stated, expressing suspicions that Hasanli's media activities may be linked to his potential detention, particularly investigations conducted by Abzas Media into the business dealings of family members of high-ranking officials.

As of now, the Interior Ministry has not provided any official comment regarding the situation. However, lawyer Zibeyda Sadigova informed Turan news agency that Ulvi Hasanli has been detained and is currently held at the Main Police Department of Baku. The specific charges against him remain unclear.

Subsequently, reports emerged of a police search conducted at the offices of Abzas Media, adding further uncertainty to the situation.

The circumstances surrounding Ulvi Hasanli's disappearance have raised questions and garnered attention, with concerns about potential targeting of independent media and civil society by the government. Lawyer Alesker Mammadli weighed in on the matter in the "Difficult Question" program, expressing amazement at Hasanli's arrest and emphasizing his constructive socio-political contributions. Mammadli highlighted that there is no factual basis suggesting Hasanli's involvement in any illegal activities.

Regarding the potential connection between recent developments and cooling relations between Azerbaijan and the United States, Mammadli stressed that responding with further injustice would be unacceptable. Hasanli, as an Azerbaijani citizen, is entitled to rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Azerbaijan, regardless of international factors.

Mammadli underscored the importance of a robust civil society for effective communication and advocacy, lamenting the authorities' persecution of socio-political activists, which impedes the development of a healthy civil society within the country.

The disappearance of Ulvi Hasanli continues to be a matter of concern, raising questions about the state of media freedom and civil society in Azerbaijan.