Journalist demands from pro-government media to refute information discrediting him

Baku/09.01.24/Turan: Detained investigative journalist Hafiz Babaly strongly refutes "false and slanderous" publications about him disseminated by a number of media outlets.

In his statement Babaly points out that such materials appeared on the websites qafqazainfo.az, ikisahil.az, television channel ATV and other media.

In particular, it was claimed that Babaly, arrested in the case of "Abzas Media," "within the framework of grant projects allegedly established contacts with foreign foundations, on their instructions conducted investigations and prepared articles".  At that, several American and European organisations were named.

Babaly stated that he had no direct or indirect links with these foreign organisations. He did not receive instructions from international, local organisations or individuals and did not conduct "commissioned" investigations.

No legal action has been filed against him for any journalistic investigation, nor has anyone demanded him to refute any of his investigations.

Babaly demanded to remove the materials discrediting him within 7 days and publish in the same volume and place the rebuttals. Otherwise, the journalist will take appropriate legal steps against the editorial offices that published the defamatory information.

* Hafiz Babaly, editor of the "economic news" section of Turan agency, was detained on 13 December.  He was charged with "smuggling of foreign currency". By court decision, he was placed in pre-trial detention for three months. Babaly is involved in the "Abzas Media case".

International organisations condemned Babaly's arrest and called for his release. -06В-