Silencing the Truth: Azerbaijan's War on Journalism

The prosecution and imprisonment of seven journalists in Azerbaijan—Farid Mehralizada, Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Hafiz Babali, Nargiz Absalamova, Elnara Gasymova, and Muhammad Kekalov—are widely believed to be in retaliation for their investigations into corruption among President Ilham Aliyev’s inner circle. These include reports on post-war reconstruction in Nagorno-Karabakh and illicit financial networks tied to state-linked companies. According to Amnesty International, “during the hearings, the defence highlighted numerous procedural irregularities, pressure on the defendants and witnesses, and a lack of credible evidence. Witnesses have withdrawn or denied previous statements, and defendants have reported ill-treatment in custody.”

On 20 June, Farid Mehralizade was sentenced to nine years in prison. Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi and Hafiz Babali were all handed nine-year sentences. Reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasymova were sentenced to eight years in prison, and Muhammad Kekalov, to 7 1/2 years. This is the latest episode in a long series of repressive waves. In March 2024, Azerbaijani authorities targeted another news outlet, Toplum TV, with raids and arrests on similar charges. In December 2024, Azerbaijani authorities arrested six more journalists on smuggling charges, including five of those working for the independent Meydan TV news outlet. Earlier this year, authorities withdrew press credentials from Voice of America and Bloomberg and shut down the BBC‘s office in Azerbaijan.

According to the Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism, 36 journalists are currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. The country has the highest number of imprisoned media workers held on politically motivated charges since it joined the Council of Europe in 2001.

The crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of repression. The Azerbaijani government has systematically silenced independent voices, using fabricated charges and politically motivated arrests to stifle free media. This crackdown has significant implications for the country's economic and political stability.

The role of independent media in fostering transparency and accountability is crucial for economic development. Independent media outlets often expose corruption and injustice, which can hinder economic growth. The crackdown on such outlets could lead to increased corruption, as there would be fewer checks on government and corporate activities. This lack of transparency could deter foreign investment and hinder economic growth.

The Azerbaijani government's actions have also damaged the country's international reputation. The country ranks 167th of 180 countries in Reporters without Borders' World Press Freedom Index. This low ranking could deter international trade and investment, as countries and companies may be reluctant to do business with a country that is seen as repressive.

The international community has condemned Azerbaijan's actions, with global press freedom groups and the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden calling for the release of the journalists. The U.S. government, through RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus, has also condemned the trial as a "sham" and called for the release of Farid Mehralizada, stating, "Farid has already lost a great deal. Unjustifiably detained for more than a year, he missed the birth of his child, and now waits for elusive justice." This statement underscores the personal and professional toll on the journalists and the international community's demand for justice.

The Azerbaijani government's crackdown on independent media is a clear violation of human rights and a threat to democratic values. The international community must continue to pressure Azerbaijan to release the imprisoned journalists and restore media freedom. The world must choose: cooperation or collapse.