Abzas Media Female Journalists End Hunger Strike Citing Parental Health, Director Continues Protest

Baku, Azerbaijan – Three imprisoned female journalists from "Abzas Media" – Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, and Elnara Gasimova – announced on July 28 that they have ended their hunger strike, citing concerns over the deteriorating health of their parents. Their decision comes as "Abzas Media" director Ulvi Hasanli continues his own indefinite hunger strike, now in its ninth day, demanding his transfer to the Baku Pre-trial Detention Center (BPDC).

The journalists are among several "Abzas Media" staff members who were sentenced on June 20 by the Baku Court of Grave Crimes. Ulvi Hasanli, the director, editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgizi, investigative journalist Hafiz Babali, and "Radio Liberty" journalist and economist Farid Mehralizade each received nine-year prison sentences. Journalists Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova were sentenced to eight years, while Mahammad Kekalov, the coordinator, received a sentence of seven years and six months. They were accused of multiple charges, including smuggling. However, both the journalists and their legal defenders have consistently stated that the investigation failed to provide substantial evidence to support these allegations.

Ulvi Hasanli initiated his indefinite hunger strike on July 20. His protest stems from the Penitentiary Service's failure to implement a court decision. Hasanli's lawyer, Zibeyda Sadigova, had filed a motion for his transfer from Umbakı prison to the Baku Pre-trial Detention Center (BPDC), which was granted by the Baku Court of Grave Crimes on July 3. Despite the court order being submitted to the Penitentiary Service, it has yet to be executed.

In solidarity with Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, and Elnara Gasimova, who are also held at BPDC, began their own indefinite hunger strike on July 22. After seven days, on July 28, they announced their decision to cease their protest.

In a statement released by "Abzas Media," the journalists explained their difficult choice: "We are ending our hunger strike as of this moment. The reason is that our parents, stressed about our health worsening due to the strike, have been hospitalized. Each of our parents suffers from cardiovascular problems. During our hunger strike, they frequently had to go to the hospital. We are ending the hunger strike considering their health."

The female journalists also made a heartfelt appeal to Ulvi Hasanli, urging him to end his strike as well, "We ask Ulvi to end his hunger strike, taking into account the health of his mother, Mrs. Esvira, who has a heart condition."

Despite the plea from his colleagues and the concerns for his own mother's health, Ulvi Hasanli has indicated his resolve to continue. He has been on hunger strike for nine days and, during a recent family visit on Sunday, stated that he would not end his protest. His primary demand remains his transfer to the Baku Pre-trial Detention Center, as mandated by the court order that has yet to be fulfilled.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by independent journalists in the region, with the "Abzas Media case" drawing significant attention to issues of press freedom and judicial process. The non-execution of a court order for a prisoner's transfer adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious case.