Lawyer Rovshana Rahimli: “Nargiz Absalamova Was Engaged in Organized Journalism, Not Crime”

This article is presented to readers in abridged form.

On June 10, during the ongoing trial of the “Abzas Media case” at the Baku Serious Crimes Court presided over by Judge Rasim Sadikhov, the defense attorneys delivered their final statements. Lawyer Rovshana Rahimli, representing journalist Nargiz Absalamova, argued that her client was arrested based on political orders and groundless accusations.

According to Rahimli, most of the evidence presented by the prosecution was either obtained in violation of procedural law or was based on statements given under pressure:

“Although the protocols claim that computers and phones were voluntarily handed over, the defendants have testified in court that they were subjected to physical and psychological coercion, and the evidence was obtained in this way. The court showed no interest in verifying these claims, though they demanded thorough and objective examination. Evidence obtained unlawfully, especially under duress, cannot be considered valid or admissible.”

Rahimli emphasized that the main witness, Mahammad Kekalov, withdrew his statements during the trial, revealing that his initial testimony had been made under pressure.

“By law, the court must rely on the statement given freely during the trial, not on one made without legal defense and under coercion during the investigation,” she said.

The lawyer also pointed out that the documents submitted by the investigation were not originals but consisted of unverified photographs of unknown origin. She argued that the charges against Absalamova—including smuggling, illegal entrepreneurship, and forgery—had not been proven:

“Even Kekalov’s initial statement did not contain concrete facts. It does not clarify when or how Nargiz allegedly brought money, where she got it, how much, or who asked her to do so. The witnesses questioned during the trial also provided no testimony implicating Nargiz Absalamova in any crime.”

Rahimli stated that the accusation of operating as part of an “organized group” was baseless and used for political purposes. She concluded that the entire case against Absalamova was built on inadmissible evidence:

“The only fact confirmed by the case materials and court proceedings is that Nargiz Absalamova committed no crime. Her arrest is due to her cooperation with Abzas Media and her work producing critical reports. She was engaged in organized journalism—not organized crime.”

All defense attorneys in the case declared the charges to be fabricated and called for the acquittal of their clients, though they expressed little hope for a fair verdict.

Only investigative journalist Hafiz Babali delivered his final remarks during this session; most other defendants will speak at the next hearing, scheduled for June 20.

Since November 2023, six Abzas Media journalists—including director Ulvi Hasanli, deputy Mahammad Kekalov, editor-in-chief Sevinc Vagifgizi, reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova, and investigative journalist Hafiz Babali—have been arrested. In May 2024, Azadliq Radio journalist and economist Farid Mehralizade was also detained in connection with the case.

Initially charged with smuggling, the journalists later faced more severe accusations in August 2024. Local and international human rights organizations consider these arrests politically motivated and continue to call for the journalists’ release and the dropping of all charges.