The period of investigation regarding the “Abzas Media” case has been extended

The court increased the detention period of Elnara Gasimova and Farid Mehralizade

The investigation of the criminal case related to the publication “Abzas Media” was extended until December 20. In this regard, the period of detention of journalists in prison during the investigation period has been increased.

On September 6, Khatai District Court heard the petition filed by the prosecutor to extend the pretrial detention of two of them – journalist Elnara Gasimova and economist Farid Mehralizade.

Trials were held separately.

Elnara Gasimova, Farid Mehralizade and their lawyers objected to the presentation. The defense side said that there is no reason to say that they will avoid the investigation.

Her lawyer said that 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.

The defender of Farid Mehralizade also emphasized that he is innocent.

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.

The investigator defended the presentation. 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 the accused persons to remain free during this period. Because there is a possibility of evading the investigation and hindering the progress of the process.

Despite the objections of the defense, judge Sulhane Hajiyeva granted the submissions. Elnara Gasimova’s detention period was extended to November 13, and Farid Mehralizade’s to December 19.

On September 7, the submission for the extension of the preventive measure on other journalists imprisoned in the “Abzas Media” case 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 were charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling by a group of people). Today, new accusations have been made, such as tax evasion, money laundering, and illegal entrepreneurship.

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 report it to the public.