Reporter Elnara Gasimova was detained

He was also charged with smuggling

Another journalist was arrested in the criminal case related to “AbzasMedia” publication. Journalist Elnara Gasimova, who was called to testify as a witness at the Baku City Police Department on January 13, was detained as a suspect.

Like the 5 journalists imprisoned in the “AbzasMedia” case, he is charged with Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling, when committed by a group of persons who colluded in advance).

Her lawyer Bahruz Bayramov told Meydan TV that Elnara Gasimova is absolutely not guilty.

“He said he expected to be arrested. He believes that this arrest is related to his journalistic activities. “He thinks that the accusation of smuggling is baseless and absurd, that this article is used as an excuse to arrest journalists.”

Bahruz Bayramov added that he believes that his client is innocent.

Arrests in the “AbzasMedia” case, known for its corruption investigations, began on November 20.

First, the site’s director Ulvi Hasanli, deputy director Mahammad Kekalov, and editor-in-chief Sevinj Abbasova (Vagifqizi) were arrested. Later, arrests continued with investigative journalist Hafiz Babali and Nargiz Absalamova. They are also charged with Article 206.3.2 (smuggling by a group of persons) of the Criminal Code.

The sanction of this article provides for imprisonment from 5 to 8 years.

After Ulvi Hasanli was detained on November 20, the office of “AbzasMedia” was searched. It was claimed that 40,000 euros were found in the site’s office.

Ulvi Hasanli said that there was no money there, that 40,000 euros were deposited in the office by those who claimed to have found it.

None of the named journalists plead not guilty, a number of officials, including members of the President’s family, published in “AbzasMedia” said that they were punished for investigations related to business and corruption.