Azerbaijan Court Rejects Appeal Of RFE/RL Journalist, Upholds Nine-Year Sentence

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

BAKU/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court has upheld a nine-year prison sentence against Farid Mehralizade, a journalist with U.S.-backed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), rejecting his appeal in a case condemned by critics as unjust and seen as a test of press freedom in the former Soviet republic.

Mehralizade, a reporter and economist, has already spent nearly two years behind bars, while the ruling also confirmed convictions against six others linked to the independent outlet AbzasMedia.

Authorities accuse the group of smuggling, money laundering, and tax evasion—allegations prosecutors say are supported by evidence. The journalists deny wrongdoing and say they are being punished for investigating corruption in Azerbaijan.

RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus said the ruling prolongs “the painful separation” of Mehralizade from his family for crimes “he did not commit,” urging authorities to allow him to return home.

COURT BACKS PROSECUTION CASE

The Supreme Court decision on April 3 followed cassation appeals by seven defendants in what has become known as the “AbzasMedia case.” A panel led by Judge Zaur Huseynov dismissed all appeals, effectively upholding earlier verdicts.

Proceedings were held separately under Judge Zaur Huseynov.

Appeals by some defendants, including Farid Mehralizade and AbzasMedia coordinator Mohammad Kekalov, were heard earlier, while director Ulvi Hasanli failed in a bid to have all cases combined.

Other defendants in the case include editor-in-chief Sevinc Vagifqizi and journalists Nargiz Absalamova, Elnara Gasimova, and Hafiz Babali, who say the charges stem from their work.

DEFENSE: CASE LINKED TO REPORTING

Babali, the only defendant present at the hearing, told the court the case should be dismissed, calling the prosecution retaliation for investigative journalism.

He also said he has been unable to access his disability pension for more than two years after his bank account was blocked following his arrest.

In written statements submitted to the court, defendants suggested the outcome was “predetermined.” Sevinc Vagifqizi said she expected no different ruling, alleging that decisions were effectively “dictated by President” Ilham Aliyev.

Elnara Gasimova said judges failed to meet basic professional standards, rejecting even routine defense motions.

Prosecutor Rashad Mammadli said the appeals lacked merit and should be dismissed, a position supported by a State Tax Service representative.

SENTENCES AMID BROADER ARRESTS

The case is part of a broader wave of arrests that began in November 2023, when authorities detained journalists and activists, often on smuggling-related charges. Mehralizade was arrested later, on May 30, 2024.

In June 2025, a Baku court sentenced Mehralizade, Hasanli, Vagifqizi, and Babali to nine years in prison, while Absalamova and Gasimova received eight-year terms and Kekalov was given seven years and six months.

Officials say those detained are prosecuted for criminal conduct, not their work. The journalists and their supporters dispute this, saying no credible evidence has been presented and describing the case as retaliation for exposing graft.

Local human rights groups estimate that about 340 political prisoners are currently held in Azerbaijan, a claim authorities deny. International rights groups have urged the government to release those they consider unjustly detained.

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