ICPJ and WBG condemn new arrests of journalists in Azerbaijan

The International Committee to Protect Journalists (ICPJ) condemned the arrest of Shamshad Agha, editor-in-chief of the independent news website 'Arqument.az', and called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release him and other imprisoned journalists.

‘The arrest of Shamshad Agha underscores the Azerbaijani authorities‘ dark intent to further silence the country's already struggling 
independent media community,’ said Gulnoza Said, ICPJ's Europe and Central Asia Programme Coordinator. 

‘The government of Azerbaijan must immediately stop its unprecedented repression of the media and release Shamshad Agha along with all other unjustly imprisoned journalists,’ the organisation said in a statement.
Police detained the journalist on the night of 4 February and searched his home, confiscating his computer, mobile phone, his brother's phone, and other computer equipment.

Lawyer Shahla Humbatova told the media that Agha was arrested as a suspect in the 'Meydan TV' criminal case. Six journalists of this publication were detained back in December last year on charges of currency smuggling.
Those arrested are among 19 journalists and media workers in the country accused since late 2023 of receiving Western funding.

For its part, the press defence organisation 'Reporters Without Borders' also condemned the detentions of Shamshad Agha and Shahnaz Beylargyzy.  ‘WBG calls for the immediate release of these two journalists, and 21 other journalists under arrest in the country.’--