The prison term of Nargiz Absalamova was also extended

The investigator said that if the reporter remains free, it will hinder the work of the investigation

The duration of the pre-trial detention measure selected for the period of investigation of the journalists detained in the criminal case related to the publication “Abzas Media” is extended.

On June 11, Khatai District Court heard the petition of the investigator and the prosecutor’s presentation to increase the detention period of journalist Nargiz Absalamova during the investigation period.

While justifying his petition in the court, the investigator said that additional investigative actions should be carried out in the “Abzas Media” case. For this reason, it was not possible to conclude the investigation yet. While the investigation continues, Nargiz Absalamova’s freedom may hinder the progress of the process. Because if he remains free, there is a possibility of establishing contact with other participants of the process and influencing the witnesses.

Nargiz Absalamova’s lawyer Shahla Humbatova disagreed with this argument.

He said that Nargiz Absalamova has not committed any crime and is still being detained without legal grounds. Even if the investigation is ongoing, it cannot be a reason to keep him in prison. Because the investigation can be continued without keeping him in prison. His place of residence is known, he has no intention of evading the investigation, etc.
Nargiz Absalamova herself expressed her confidence that the court will issue a decision by order, as before.

He said that he does not want to talk about it.

“I don’t see the point of making a speech. I know that you will execute the order again and transfer what the investigator wrote to the decision.”
The judge granted the presentation and the period of detention of Nargiz Absalamova was extended for another 3 months.

Nargiz Absalamova has been in prison since November 30, 2023. For the first time, he was sentenced to 3 months in prison. At the end of February this year, the prison term was extended by 3 months. On May 25, the period was extended for another 22 days.
On June 10, the period of detention of Hafiz Babali and Elnara Gasimova, who were imprisoned in connection with the “Abzas Media” case, was extended.

On June 12, the issue of extending the detention period of “Abzas Media” director Ulvi Hasanli and editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgizy (Abbasova) will be considered.

Arrests in the “Abzas Media” 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 Vagifqizi were arrested. Later, arrests continued with investigative journalist Hafiz Babali, Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova. 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 “Abzas Media” 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, they said that they were punished for investigations related to the business and corruption of a number of officials, including members of the president’s family, in “Abzas Media”.

After “Abzas Media”, the managers and employees of “Kanal 13” internet channel, “Toplum TV” news portal and internet television of the same name, “Meclis.info” website, which investigates the activities of the Milli Majlis and deputies, were also arrested on charges of smuggling. It is alleged that these media organizations received grants from foreign organizations and smuggled those funds into the country.
However, the journalists reject this accusation and state that they were arrested without any evidence related to smuggling. They stated that the purpose of these arrests is to silence media organizations that investigate corruption and official arbitrariness in the country and inform the public.