Azerbaijan Imprisons Journalists Who Exposed Corruption in Nagorno-Karabakh

Azerbaijan has imprisoned seven journalists for exposing corruption in Nagorno-Karabakh. These reporters had published investigations revealing financial wrongdoing in post-war construction projects. Their work—meant to uncover truth and hold the powerful accountable—has now been punished with prison sentences of seven to nine years.

The “Gegard” Analytical Foundation says the charges were fabricated. Witnesses either withdrew their statements or later denied them altogether, reportedly under pressure. Reports from inside Azerbaijani prisons say the jailed journalists have suffered inhumane treatment.

This latest crackdown drew international criticism, especially from the European Union. The EU issued a statement calling on Azerbaijan to respect human rights, uphold its international obligations, and ensure a safe space for journalists.

The court ruling came on June 20, targeting staff members of AbzasMedia, one of the few independent news outlets still active in Azerbaijan. The Baku Serious Crimes Court sentenced director Ulvi Hasanli, editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgizi, and journalist Hafiz Babali to nine years each. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Farid Mehralizadeh also received nine years, despite his employer stating he was not connected to AbzasMedia. Other reporters—Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova—were sentenced to eight years, while deputy director Mahammad Kekalov was given seven and a half years.

Their arrests started in late 2023, with Mehralizadeh detained in May 2024. He says he’s being punished for financial investigations into Azerbaijan’s elite, stating, “The prosecutor’s office has even 'assigned' me a role as an economic expert at AbzasMedia, claiming I worked in their office. Both claims are false.”

The journalists were charged with serious crimes, including currency smuggling, money laundering, tax evasion, and document forgery. They reject all allegations, insisting the real reason for their imprisonment is their anti-corruption reporting. Their investigations uncovered major financial misconduct connected to Azerbaijan's reconstruction efforts in Karabakh after the 2020 war and exposed links to state-controlled companies.

In his final court statement, Mehralizadeh said, “In countries where the rule of law and judicial independence are not respected, trials are nothing more than a cruel smile of authoritarian power.” He added that the verdict was not made by judges but ordered by political forces.

Human rights groups around the world have condemned the sentences. Amnesty International called it a clear example of how Azerbaijan uses its courts to crush independent media. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said this verdict reflects a systematic attempt to erase free press in the country. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) warned that the authorities aim to destroy what little independent journalism remains. The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) echoed those concerns, calling the crackdown a “revenge” for exposing corruption in Azerbaijan’s ruling elite.

The same court also sentenced Azerbaijani activist Bahrus Samedov to 15 years in prison on June 23. He was accused of treason for allegedly working with Armenian intelligence. His defenders say the real reason for his arrest is his public stance against war. His articles opposing violence were even included in the court documents.

Azerbaijan now ranks among the worst countries for press freedom. CPJ’s 2024 report placed it 10th in the world for the number of jailed journalists. RSF’s World Press Freedom Index ranked Azerbaijan 164th out of 180 countries in 2024—and it fell even further to 167th in 2025.

According to the “Freedom for Political Prisoners in Azerbaijan” group, 29 journalists and bloggers are currently imprisoned. The Council of Europe’s platform for media freedom puts the number at 36—making Azerbaijan the top jailer of journalists among Council of Europe member states since it joined in 2001.

Despite this, the Azerbaijani government shows no signs of reversing course. International organizations continue to issue statements of concern, but Baku has not changed its behavior. Instead, it tightens its grip on free speech, silences civil society, and deepens its control over journalism.

For Armenia and the global Armenian community, these developments are especially alarming. Not only do they signal growing repression next door, but they also show the dangers faced by anyone—Armenian or Azerbaijani—who speaks the truth about Nagorno-Karabakh, corruption, or injustice. In silencing these voices, Azerbaijan not only punishes its own citizens, but also tries to erase the story of a region still scarred by war, displacement, and ethnic cleansing.

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