The final court hearing in the so-called “Abzas Media case” has concluded.
On June 20, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes announced the verdicts against the accused journalists.
According to the court’s decision, Abzas Media director Ülvi Həsənli, editor-in-chief Sevinc Vaqifqızı, investigative journalist Hafiz Babalı, and Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty journalist and economist Fərid Mehralızadə were each sentenced to 9 years in prison. Journalists Nərgiz Absalamova and Elnarə Qasımova received 8-year sentences, while Abzas Media coordinator Məhəmməd Kekalov was sentenced to 7 years and 6 months.
The journalists were convicted on several charges, including smuggling.
All of them have rejected the accusations, stating that they are being punished for their corruption investigations and professional journalism activities.
English (UK) 
Azərbaycan dili