Authorities in Adreban have made a significant move by arresting the directors of Abzas Media, Mahammad Kekalov, Uli Vishnli, and Sevich Bagifzigin. Abzas Media, an independent online media outlet, has gained attention for its coverage of corruption in Azerbaijan and has become a target for Human Rights Watch. The journalists have been accused of spreading false information, but the court was unable to provide concrete evidence to support the charges during their temporary detainment. Giorgi Gogia, the regional director for Europe and Central Asia at Human Rights Watch, criticized the persecution of judges in Azerbaijan, stressing the importance of their freedom and independence.

During the court proceedings on November 21, Uli Vishnli and Sevich Bagifzigin were detained for a period of four months. However, no substantial evidence was presented to substantiate the allegations against them. The authorities also conducted a search of Vishnli’s house and the offices of Abzas Media on the same day, supposedly discovering €40,000 in cash. Vishnli denied ownership of the money and expressed concern that the authorities had violated his privacy by examining confidential documents.

Journalists who have been actively engaged in investigative work suspect that they are being unfairly targeted. Vishnli revealed that the authorities asked him why Abzas Media did not cover the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, instead focusing on exposing corruption. The arrest of Vishnli, Bagifzigin, and Kekalov has been perceived by Human Rights Watch as politically motivated, with the intention of suppressing criticism and maintaining control over media narratives.

It is worth noting that this recent incident follows the arrest of Azerbaijani activist Gubad Ibadoglu in July. Ibadoglu faced charges related to producing counterfeit money, organizing theft, and causing public disorder. Giorgi Gogia emphasized that these actions are designed to intimidate judges who dare to criticize the authorities, as well as to send a warning to journalists and activists. Gogia reaffirmed the need for the protection of these fundamental freedoms.