Azerbaijani Independent Journalists Face Intensified Pressure and Legal Battles Amidst Hunger Strikes

Independent journalists from Azerbaijan's "AbzasMedia" are facing escalating pressure, including severe prison sentences, new government accusations, and alleged mistreatment in detention, leading to hunger strikes by several imprisoned staff members. These developments highlight a deepening crackdown on independent media in the country.

The intensified pressure follows the Baku Court of Grave Crimes' decision on June 20, 2025, which handed down lengthy prison sentences to key "AbzasMedia" personnel. Director Ulvi Hasanli, editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgizi, investigative journalist Hafiz Babali, and Radio Azadliq journalist and economist Farid Mehralizade were each sentenced to 9 years of imprisonment. Reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova received 8-year sentences, while deputy director Mahammad Kekalov was sentenced to 7 years and 6 months.

The journalists were found guilty of smuggling and other crimes. However, they vehemently deny these charges, asserting that their arrests are politically motivated and directly linked to their in-depth investigations into corruption. Both local and international human rights organizations echo this sentiment, condemning the arrests as politically motivated and calling for the immediate release of the journalists and the withdrawal of all charges against them.

Adding to the legal battles, on July 23, pro-government media released a video titled "How were large sums of financial resources secretly transferred from abroad to Azerbaijan?" The video alleged that organizations it labeled as "Foreign Grant Networks" were attempting to "influence public opinion by spreading biased information in Azerbaijan." Specifically, it claimed that representatives of media outlets like AbzasMedia, Meydan TV, and HamamTimes TV had illegally brought financial resources into Azerbaijan.

AbzasMedia swiftly responded, issuing a statement declaring that these accusations are "entirely unfounded and lack any legal or factual basis." The organization clarified its operational status: "AbzasMedia currently does not operate within the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan and does not cooperate with any physical or legal entities inside the country. As we announced after the wave of arrests against AbzasMedia employees began in November 2023, we have been continuing our activities for over a year from outside the country, with journalists and the editor-in-chief based abroad."

The statement further asserted that such information is designed to "mislead public opinion, damaging the reputation of independent media, and casting a shadow on journalistic activities whose main purpose is to protect public interests." AbzasMedia reiterated its commitment to "professional, independent journalism, fighting corruption and protecting human rights," emphasizing that their imprisoned staff were not involved in smuggling or any illegal activities, but were "targeted for their journalistic activities and the facts they uncovered."

In response to their ongoing detention and perceived injustices, several "AbzasMedia" journalists have initiated hunger strikes, reportedly facing additional pressure within the Baku Investigative Detention Center.

On July 22, editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgizi and reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova began an indefinite hunger strike. Their primary demand is the return of "AbzasMedia" director Ulvi Hasanli to the Baku Investigative Detention Center. Hasanli himself began an indefinite hunger strike on July 20, stating that his decision was prompted by his failure to be transferred back to the Baku Investigative Detention Center as promised, having been moved to the Penitentiary Complex in Umbaki settlement after the June 20 sentences. His family reported he was placed in a punishment cell on July 21 and was subjected to violence and denied visits with his wife and young daughter in the new prison, leading to a prior 9-day hunger strike.

The female journalists on hunger strike allege facing specific pressures. According to their relatives, artificial problems have been created with the hot and cold water supply in the detention facility, with water being provided interchangeably (cold during hot water times, hot during cold water times). When other female prisoners protested this, detention staff allegedly stated the change was implemented "because Sevinj and her colleagues are on hunger strike." The journalists view this as a form of psychological pressure but have declared their intention not to stop their protest. Furthermore, after announcing their hunger strike, Vagifgizi, Absalamova, and Gasimova were reportedly moved to separate rooms, and Nargiz Absalamova allegedly experienced violence during this process. The hunger strike has also been joined by four journalists from the "Meydan TV case": Aynur Elgunesh, Aytaj Tapdig, Khayala Aghayeva, and Aysel Umudova.

The conditions within the detention center have also drawn legal scrutiny. On July 17, Sevinj Vagifgizi reported that the detention center administration had for weeks refused to allow her family to provide her with a fan. Ahad Abdiyev, the deputy head of the detention center, reportedly responded to inquiries by stating, "It's what we want. Last year, we wanted to, so we allowed the fan in; this year, we want it this way, so we aren't allowing it," also claiming no obligation to provide fans.

"AbzasMedia" consulted several lawyers to challenge this claim. Lawyers highlight that Azerbaijan is a party to international documents, including the UN's Nelson Mandela Rules, which stipulate that detention conditions must serve prisoners' health, covering aspects like sanitary conditions, space, heating/cooling, and lighting. They also referenced recommendations from the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), although Azerbaijan has suspended cooperation with the CPT for over two years.

Crucially, lawyers pointed out that Azerbaijan's own national normative documents and the internal disciplinary rules for investigative detention centers list fans as items prisoners are allowed to receive. While the provision of a fan requires the permission of the detention center head, lawyers argue that in Vagifgizi's situation, the head abused his official powers by creating problems and setting conditions for the fan's provision. Human rights defenders assert that this situation "can be legally disputed."

The "AbzasMedia" case continues to unfold as a critical test for independent journalism and human rights in Azerbaijan. With journalists facing lengthy sentences, new accusations, and alleged mistreatment during their hunger strikes, the situation remains tense. The legal community's stance on the disputable nature of detention conditions further underscores the challenges faced by those advocating for press freedom and accountability in the country.