On June 10, the Baku Serious Crimes Court held another hearing in the ongoing “AbzasMedia case,” where defense lawyers for the imprisoned journalists and media workers delivered their final statements. Investigative journalist Hafiz Babali also delivered his closing remarks.
Presided over by Judge Rasim Sadikhov, the hearing saw lawyers unanimously dismiss all charges as politically motivated and legally groundless. They argued that the indictment relies primarily on the testimony of Mammad Kekalov, who has since retracted his statement in court, claiming it was made under duress during the investigation.
The lawyers also pointed out a procedural inconsistency: although the case was built on Kekalov’s testimony, Ulvi Hasanli was arrested before Kekalov was detained or questioned.
“How could Hasanli be arrested based on a testimony that didn’t yet exist?” they asked.
Despite allegations of smuggling, the defense emphasized that no illegal goods were found on the defendants, their homes, or during border crossings. Notably, neither Hafiz Babali nor Elnara Gasimova traveled abroad during the years (2020–2023) cited in the indictment.
They also alleged that the cash and forged documents said to have been found in the AbzasMedia office were planted by investigators, and that all defense motions submitted during the trial were systematically rejected.
While acknowledging that they do not expect a fair verdict, the lawyers formally requested acquittal for all defendants.
Only Hafiz Babali made his final statement during the session; the rest of the defendants will speak at the next hearing, scheduled for June 20.
Background:
Since November 2023, six AbzasMedia staff members have been detained:
- Ulvi Hasanli (director)
- Mammad Kekalov (deputy director)
- Sevinc Vagifqizi (editor-in-chief)
- Nargiz Absalamova, Elnara Gasimova (reporters)
- Hafiz Babali (investigative journalist)
In May 2024, Farid Mehralizadeh, a journalist with Radio Azadliq and an economist, was also arrested as part of the case.
Initially charged with smuggling, the detainees later faced more serious accusations, including illegal business activity, money laundering, and tax evasion.
Local and international human rights organizations have condemned the arrests as politically motivated and have repeatedly called for the release of the journalists and the dismissal of all charges.
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