Amnesty International: In Azerbaijan, Journalism Has Been Sentenced to a Cell

As Azerbaijan marks the 150th anniversary of its national press, Amnesty International UK has released a powerful new report titled “Azerbaijan: From Newsroom to Cell”. The timing of the publication is no coincidence – it serves as a stark reminder that while the state celebrates media history, dozens of journalists are behind bars simply for telling the truth.

Key Findings from the Report:

• Journalists such as Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, Fatimə Movlamli, and Ulviyya Ali have been detained under fabricated charges, often after publishing investigations into corruption or state abuse.
• Many are subjected to inhumane conditions, including solitary confinement, denial of legal representation, and threats against their families.
• The crackdown has especially intensified under the so-called “Toplum Media Case“, in which several independent reporters and media staff are being held without trial for months.
• Amnesty highlights the use of state propaganda that portrays independent journalism as “foreign influence” or “anti-state activity”, further endangering press freedom in the country.

Amnesty’s Call to Action:

Amnesty International urges the international community not to turn a blind eye to these human rights violations and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all imprisoned journalists. The report also draws attention to the gender-based nature of repression, with female journalists and their families often specifically targeted with intimidation and public shaming.

“We honour the work and impact of Azerbaijani journalists who, despite immense personal risk, continue to perform their professional duties and fight for freedom of expression – even from behind bars.” – Amnesty International

Read the Full Report:

🔗 https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur55/0128/2025/en/

Our Position:

At HumanRightsAZ.com, we stand in full solidarity with Amnesty International’s findings and message. We echo the voices of imprisoned and persecuted journalists – particularly the brave women who continue to resist from within the prison walls. Telling the truth should never be a crime.