“If there were normal courts, there would be those who looted the country in prison today” |

The period of detention for the investigation period was extended for another 1 month and 7 days

Elnara Gasimova, one of the journalists detained in the criminal case related to the “Abzas Media” publication, has been remanded in custody for the investigation period.

On August 10, Khatai District Court heard the prosecutor’s presentation on this matter. Nahid Abbasli, an investigator of the Baku City Chief Police Department, defended the presentation in court. He said that the investigation is not over yet. According to him, a number of investigative actions should be carried out. It is not appropriate for Elnara Gasimova to remain free during this period. Because there is a possibility of evading the investigation and hindering the progress of the process.

Elnara Gasimova and her lawyers objected to the presentation. The defense side said that there is no reason to say that he will avoid the investigation. Because Elnara Gasimova was summoned as a witness twice while she was at liberty, and she did not avoid either of them. It was the second time he was summoned to be questioned at the Baku City Police Department as a witness, and an arrest warrant was issued against him.

The defense side added that, in general, the charge of smuggling brought against Elnara Gasimova is groundless, there is no evidence. The investigation can be continued without detaining him.

Elnara Gasimova herself said that she is innocent, that she was arrested on false charges because of her journalistic activities. He said that all those imprisoned in the “Abzas Media” case, including himself, were punished for corruption investigations.

Elnara Gasimova emphasized that “Abzas Media” conducts investigations related to the business of high-ranking officials, including the Aliyev family, and exposes corruption. They are punished for their research. The journalist added that if there were normal law enforcement agencies and real courts in the country, they would not be in prison today, but those who committed corruption and looted the country and the people’s property: “Our place has gone wrong…”.

The journalist emphasized that this court also works by order, adding that there is no expectation of justice and legal decision.

After a short consultation, Judge Rafael Khalilov announced that the prosecutor’s presentation was approved, and Elnara Gasimova’s detention period for the investigation period was extended for another 1 month and 7 days.

The journalist’s lawyers will file an appeal against this decision.

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 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.