Trial of Exiled Editor Ganimat Zahid Begins in Baku; Human Rights Watch Condemns Azerbaijan's Actions Against Critics

Ganimat Zahid

The trial of Ganimat Zahid, the editor of the Azadlıq newspaper who lives in France, started on December 9 at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes. Judge Fakhri Mammadov led the session, where Zahid’s information was verified. The case investigation ended on November 17, with the next hearing set for December 16.

Zahid is accused of open calls against the state. An arrest warrant was issued for him on May 31. Zahid claims he is innocent, stating that the charges are politically driven and related to his work as a journalist. He added that the court is the most incompetent level in the matter.

This legal action is facing global criticism. On November 26, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Azerbaijan to stop increasing repression at home and against critics living abroad. HRW said that the government is growing its efforts against journalists, activists, and analysts in exile by issuing politically driven arrest warrants and search orders.

Giorgi Gogiya, HRW's Associate Director for Europe and Central Asia, said that these cases show that the authorities are misusing the justice system to silence critics, something they have seen happening for years. HRW’s statement mentioned the recent detentions of journalists, human rights defenders, and scholars on false charges since November 2023.

HRW asked that Azerbaijan cancel all politically driven charges, end pressure on independent voices, and follow international agreements to protect freedom of speech.

Government officials deny these accusations, saying that basic rights are protected and that the country’s courts are independent.