Azerbaijan's Media Under Siege: AbzasMedia Appeal Marked by Violence and State Department Concerns

Baku, Azerbaijan – The appeal hearing for journalists and staff of "AbzasMedia," an independent investigative news outlet, began with intense tension and controversy at the Baku Court of Appeal on 12 August 2025. The proceedings, overseen by Judge Zafar Ahmadov, were marked by allegations of violence against female defendants and the outright rejection of all defense motions, drawing the attention of representatives from Western embassies in Azerbaijan.

The hearing underscores growing international concern regarding media freedom and human rights in Azerbaijan, as highlighted by a recent US State Department report detailing a lack of fundamental change in the country's human rights situation.

"AbzasMedia" Appeal Hearing: A Day of Protest and Force

During the appeal, the accused women – Sevinj Vagifgizi (editor-in-chief), Nargiz Absalamova, and Elnara Gasimova (journalists) – were held in one glass cabin, while the men were placed in another, some distance away. This separation and the malfunctioning microphones meant the female defendants could not properly hear the proceedings or their lawyers, leading to their vocal protests.

Lawyers, including Khalig Huseynov, representing Farid Mehralizade (a journalist and economist with Azadliq Radiosu, also implicated in the case), filed several motions. These included requests for:

The relocation of Farid Mehralizade, Ulvi Hasanli (AbzasMedia director), and Hafiz Babali (investigative journalist) from Umbakı prison back to the Baku Investigation Isolator, which lawyers deemed a discriminatory move.

Permission for the defendants to be seated alongside their lawyers, or at least for male and female journalists to sit together. The defense argued that in the first instance court, the accused were allowed to sit with their lawyers.

A partial court investigation for the appeal.

However, all defense motions were denied by the court.

As the female defendants continued to protest their inability to hear, the judge warned they would be removed from the hall. Sevinj Vagifgizi defiantly stated, "You can't do anything to us. What you say has no ruling. You are Ilham Aliyev's slave," indicating their belief in the political nature of the trial. The women then declared they would voluntarily leave and would not participate in future proceedings if conditions remained the same.

During their removal from the courtroom, employees of the Penitentiary Service allegedly used force, pushing and shoving them. In response, Ulvi Hasanli also attempted to leave, leading to the forceful removal of all defendants and the departure of many parents in attendance. The next hearing is scheduled for 26 August.

The "AbzasMedia" Case: A Background of Suppression

The arrests in the "AbzasMedia case" began on 20 November 2023. The crackdown followed a series of corruption investigations by "AbzasMedia" concerning Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his inner circle. Key figures arrested include:

• Ulvi Hasanli (AbzasMedia Director)

• Sevinj Vagifgizi (Editor-in-Chief)

• Hafiz Babali (Investigative Journalist)

• Farid Mehralizade (Azadliq Radiosu journalist and economist)

• Elnara Gasimova (Journalist)

• Nargiz Absalamova (Journalist)

• Mahammad Kekalov (AbzasMedia employee/coordinator)

All defendants were charged with smuggling and various financial crimes, accusations they vehemently deny. They, along with local and international human rights advocates, maintain that their arrests are politically motivated and directly linked to their journalistic activities. The initial investigation and trial lasted nearly two years.

On 20 June 2025, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes delivered harsh sentences:

• Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Hafiz Babali, and Farid Mehralizade were each sentenced to 9 years in prison.

• Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova received 8-year sentences.

• Mahammad Kekalov was sentenced to 7 years and 6 months.

Additionally, it has been reported that Mahammad Kekalov was denied the opportunity to speak with his lawyer by phone while in Umbakı settlement's Penitentiary Complex, with prison staff forcibly taking the phone from him.

US State Department Report Highlights Broader Human Rights Concerns

The US State Department's 2024 report on human rights in countries worldwide asserts that there has been no fundamental improvement in Azerbaijan's human rights situation compared to previous years. The report specifically points to:

Reports of deaths in police and prison custody, citing the death of Elvin Iskenderov in Sumgayit police department on 14 June.

References to "Freedom House" and "Caucasus Heritage Watch" reports on ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh and destruction of Armenian cultural heritage.

Government restrictions on freedom of expression and media independence, noting threats, beatings, and arrests of journalists, editors, and independent bloggers.

Suspicious acts of violence against media-related individuals abroad.

The 2022 media law limiting independent press operations.

Pressure exerted by authorities on media outlets, journalists, bloggers, and activists (both within the country and in exile), as well as their relatives, to dissuade them from criticizing the government.

The arrest of at least 40 independent journalists and civil society members since November 2023, many subjected to physical violence in police custody. Ulvi Hasanli, among others, reportedly witnessed and experienced physical violence in pre-trial detention.

The use of government-linked bots and trolls to manipulate social media discourse, pressuring internet platforms and tech companies to restrict content, and threatening online users who criticize government policies.

Ongoing issues with worker rights, leading to the arrest of activists who highlight these problems.

Obstacles preventing prisoners from meeting family members and lawyers or receiving medical treatment.

The broader context in Azerbaijan since November 2023 includes the arrest of over 30 journalists and public activists on smuggling charges. Local human rights organizations estimate that there are over 370 political prisoners in Azerbaijani prisons. While officials maintain that no one is arrested due to their professional activities or political views, international human rights bodies have called on the government to release those unjustly detained.

These events occur amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a recent telephone conversation between the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia regarding the implementation of a Joint Declaration signed in Washington, aiming for a peace agreement. Concurrently, the US and Armenia have commenced joint military exercises, and the Presidents of Ukraine and Azerbaijan have condemned Russian air strikes on SOCAR oil depots in Ukraine. However, for many, the escalating suppression of media and human rights casts a shadow over any claims of progress.