Azerbaijan Supreme Court Upholds Prison Terms for Abzas Media and RFE/RL Journalists

Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court has rejected the appeals of seven journalists from the independent outlet Abzas Media and a correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), cementing lengthy prison sentences handed down amid a broader crackdown on independent media. The April 3 decision drew immediate condemnation from international press freedom advocates, who say the rulings further entrench restrictions on dissenting voices in the country.

The journalists were originally convicted on economic and smuggling charges, widely criticised as baseless and politically motivated. On June 20, 2025, a Baku court sentenced Abzas Media director Ulvi Hasanli, its editor‑in‑chief Sevinj Vagifgizi and investigative reporter Hafiz Babali to nine‑year prison terms. Reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova received eight years, and deputy director Mahammad Kekalov seven and a half years. RFE/RL’s Farid Mehralizade was also handed a nine‑year sentence.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to overturn these sentences effectively ends domestic legal avenues for the condemned journalists, who have maintained that their detention and convictions are linked to their professional work exposing corruption and governance issues in Azerbaijan. Defence lawyers previously rejected the charges as lacking credible evidence, asserting the case was constructed to silence independent reporting.

International rights groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), decried the higher court’s ruling and urged Azerbaijani authorities to release the jailed media workers immediately. CPJ highlighted that the Supreme Court’s decision upholds “lengthy prison sentences,” reinforcing a troubling environment for journalists operating inside the country.

The case forms part of a broader pattern of media repression documented by global watchdogs. Independent outlets such as Abzas Media have been targeted amid an ongoing campaign against critical journalism that has seen multiple journalists jailed, offices closed and media operations heavily restricted. Azerbaijan ranks low on international press freedom indices, reflecting systemic challenges to reporting freedom.

Observers note that the Supreme Court’s decision may have wider implications for civil society and free expression in Azerbaijan, signaling a continued hardline stance by authorities toward critical media. With no remaining domestic appeal options, international pressure and diplomatic engagement may now be among the few avenues available for advocates seeking review of these convictions and support for imprisoned journalists.

Reference –

Azerbaijan Supreme Court rejects appeal of 7 Abzas Media, RFE/RL imprisoned journalists 

https://abzas.org/en/2026/4/supreme-court-rejects-journali6797cd9f-d/