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Imprisoned Azerbaijani Journalist Honoured with US Press Freedom Award
Azerbaijan – Imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Farid Mehralizade has been awarded the 2025 John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award by the National Press Club of the United States in recognition of his reporting and his status as a political prisoner. Mehralizade, previously an economist-turned-reporter with the independent outlet Abzas Media, was convicted in 2024 on charges including “illegal entrepreneurship” and “currency smuggling” after investigations into politically sensitive topics and was given a nine-year prison sentence. These charges have been condemned by rights groups as baseless attempts to silence critical journalists.
In issuing the award, the National Press Club emphasised that the honour serves two purposes: recognising courage and urging the United States government and the international community to strengthen protections for detained media workers. US Representative James McGovern publicly called for Mehralizade’s release and for the charges against his wife to be dropped.
The case is being closely followed by leading press-freedom and human-rights organisations, which warn that Azerbaijan’s media environment has worsened significantly since 2023, with journalists facing extended detentions, stricter government controls, and shrinking space for independent investigation. For Mehralizade’s colleagues and supporters, the award acts as a symbolic gesture and urgent call-to-action: it highlights the personal cost of investigative journalism in repressive settings and demands immediate release, a review of the legal process, and a secure environment for all journalists.
To read the full story – https://tjcproject.org/imprisoned-azerbaijani-journalist-farid-mehralizade-honoured-with-prestigious-press-freedom-award/