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November 04, 2025 – 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 work and his current status as a political prisoner. The award is meant to highlight journalists operating under threat and to draw attention to the continued detention of media workers in Azerbaijan.
Mehralizade, an economist-turned-reporter affiliated with the independent outlet Abzas Media, was among several journalists convicted in 2024 on charges such as “illegal entrepreneurship” and “currency smuggling” after investigations into politically sensitive topics. He received a nine-year prison sentence. Rights groups have widely condemned these charges as politically motivated efforts to silence critical journalism.
In announcing the award, the National Press Club issued a statement noting that the honour is intended both as recognition of courage and as a call for the US government and international community to step up in defending media workers under detention. US Congressman James McGovern publicly demanded Mehralizade’s release and the dismissal of charges against his wife.
The case is being monitored by major press-freedom and human-rights organisations, which say Azerbaijan’s media environment has grown increasingly hostile since 2023, with journalists facing prolonged detentions, tightened regulatory control, and limited space for independent investigation. Amnesty International and other watchdogs have labelled Azerbaijan one of the most dangerous states for press freedom.
For Mehralizade’s colleagues and supporters, the award is both symbolic and urgent. It serves as a reminder of the personal cost of investigative journalism in repressive settings and as a push for concrete action. Advocacy groups are calling on Azerbaijani authorities to release Mehralizade immediately, review the legal basis for his conviction, and ensure that all journalists can work without fear of imprisonment for their work.
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