Authorities Decide to Hold Trial of Abzas Media Journalists Behind Closed Doors? (updated)

On December 17, 2024, the Baku Serious  Crimes Court held a preparatory hearing in the case of Abzas Media. However, journalists were not allowed into the courtroom. In response to an inquiry from the Turan news agency, the court stated that there was no space available in the courtroom and suggested that journalists could file complaints with the Judicial Legal Council. However, a group of other individuals, including some relatives of the accused, were allowed into the courtroom.

*Between November 2023 and January 2024, the leaders and staff of Abzas Media – Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinc Vagifgizi, Mohammad Kekalov, Nargiz Absalamova, and Elnara Gasimova – as well as investigative journalist and Turan agency employee Hafiz Babali, were arrested. In May 2024, economist and Radio Azadliq employee Farid Mehralyzade was also arrested in connection with the case.

Initially, they were charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling by a group of individuals acting in concert). However, between August 16-19, the charges were intensified to include: Article 192.3.2 (illegal entrepreneurship with large profits); Article 193-1.3.1 and 193-1.3.2 (money laundering by an organized group); Article 206.4 (smuggling by an organized group); Articles 320.1 and 320.2 (forgery and use of forged documents); and Article 213.2.1 (group tax evasion).

These charges carry penalties of up to 12 years in prison. The journalists deny all charges, asserting that they are being persecuted for investigating corruption within the highest levels of government.

Human rights activists have declared them political prisoners. Many international journalist and human rights organizations have criticized the charges as fabricated and have repeatedly called for the journalists' release.

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International organisations called for release of Abzas Media journalists

A number of international human rights organisations, including 'Amnesty International' and 'Reporters Without Borders' called for the journalists' release on the eve of the 'Abzas Media trial'.

'Amnesty International' called for the participation of diplomats and the international community in the trial.

In turn, the head of 'Radio Liberty/Free Europe' Steve Capus called for the release of the employee of the Azerbaijani service of ;Radio Liberty', economist Farid Mehralizadeh - a defendant in the 'Abzas Media' case.

‘Farid was punished for writing about the negative realities of the Azerbaijani economy. Azerbaijan must put an end to the false trial and allow Farid to be reunited with his family,’ the head of 'Radio Liberty' said in a statement.’

*In November 2023-January 2024, 'Abzas Media' executives and employees Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgyzy, Mohammed Kekalov, Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasymova, as well as investigative journalist and employee of 'Turan Agency' Hafiz Babaly were arrested. In May, Farid Mehralizadeh, an economist and employee of 'Radio Azadlyq', was arrested in the same case.

They were initially charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling by a group of persons by prior conspiracy). However, on 16-19 August, the charges were toughened to: Articles 192.3.2 (illegal entrepreneurship with large income); 193-1.3.1 and 193-1.3.2 (legalisation of criminal proceeds by an organised group); 206.4 (smuggling by an organised group); 320.1 and 320.2 (forgery of documents and use of forged documents); and 213.2.1 (group tax evasion) of the Criminal Code.

These charges are punishable by up to 12 years' imprisonment. The journalists deny all the charges, saying that they are being persecuted for investigating corruption in the highest echelons of power. Human rights activists have recognised them as political prisoners. Many international journalistic and human rights organisations have repeatedly called for their release.