@IRFS_ORG
@IRFS_ORG
The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety
🚨 On 14 July 2025, #Azerbaijan adopted sweeping amendments to its media law, eliminating the possibility for any independent journalism to survive. Foreign media outlets are now required to register in media registry within 7 days of initial state registration!
❗️The health of Ulvi Hasanli has reportedly deteriorated significantly during his ongoing hunger strike, leading to a temporary loss of consciousness. Sevinj Vagifgizi, Elnara Gasimova, and Nargiz Absalamova are also said to be facing inhumane treatment 📷 @AzadliqRadiosu
📢 4 Journalists on Hunger Strike in #Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 Abzas Media’s Ulvi Hasanli is in solitary confinement after restarting his hunger strike. Fellow journalists Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, and Elnara Gasimova have joined in protest! More: irfs.org/news-feed/impr…
🇦🇿 National Press Day in #Azerbaijan: The government gives awards to some journalists— and prison sentences to others. More at: irfs.org/news-feed/anni…
On a day meant to honor the free press, #Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 celebrates National Press Day with up to 40 independent journalists behind bars. In today’s Azerbaijan, it doesn’t take a prophet to foresee the fate of those who dare to speak out. The arrests, the trials, the…
The Day of The Modern Atlases The day I was arrested, a fortune teller accused of fraud was placed in my cell for a few hours at the Khatai District Temporary Detention Center. Jokingly, I asked her, “So, what does my future hold?” She replied, “You’ll be imprisoned too, just…
Azer Kazimov, a Swedish citizen, of Azerbaijani origin, was detained in Croatia two days ago. It was on the request of Azerbaijan, which has issued an Interpol warrant against him - abusing the system. He has not yet received a lawyer.
❗️Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, and Elnara Gasimova - three female journalists from AbzasMedia - are reportedly on hunger strike in #Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 irfs.org/news-feed/esca…
🇦🇿 Ulvi Hasanli, director of Abzas Media, remains on hunger strike in Umbakı Prison, alleging torture, solitary confinement, denial of visits & basic needs—his health is deteriorating. Sentenced to 9 years on politically charged smuggling charges. irfs.org/news-feed/abza…
We echo the @EP_ForeignAff call: harsh sentences against journalists, activists & researchers in #Azerbaijan are a shocking escalation of repression❗️ Nearly 400 political prisoners are behind bars. #FreeThemAll @CommissionerHR @alain_berset
Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 : leading MEPs react to harsh prison sentences for journalists, researchers and activists in politically motivated cases. Read more in their statement: europarl.europa.eu/delegations/en… 👇
⚠️ “We are just trying to survive,” admits @EminHuseynovAZ at the #HRC59 in @UNGeneva. “In the last ten years in #Azerbaijan 🇦🇿, many journalists have decided to stop their work and go into exile.” Read more on exiled CSOs from 🇧🇾 🇷🇺 🇦🇿 rfi.fr/ru/права-челов…
We reiterate the call of @CommissionerHR to release Anar Mammadli and all others imprisoned in #Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 for their legitimate human rights work. The pattern of arbitrary detentions must end❗️ @coe standards demand more than silence—they demand action.
I’m concerned by the criminal conviction of 7 journalists of Abzas media in Azerbaijan, who received prison sentences of 7,5 to 9 years. I reiterate my call for the release of all human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists imprisoned for their legitimate work…
⚠️ IRFS condemns #Georgia's 🇬🇪 escalating crackdown on media freedom New defamation laws reverse burden of proof & scrap protections for journalists. Court detains Mzia Amaglobeli despite health issues ❗️We urge @OSCE_RFoM & EU to act now. #PressFreedom 📷 @JAMnewsCaucasus
⚠️ EU Condemns 🇦🇿’s Heavy Prison Sentences for Independent Journalists @eu_eeas has issued a strong condemnation of 🇦🇿 decision to impose lengthy sentences on journalists and staff of @AbzasMedia, demanding immediate action to protect press freedom irfs.org/news-feed/eu-c…
I'm hearing disturbing news that on 20 June the Baku Court of Grave Crimes sentenced 5 @AbzasMedia journalists & HRDs whose cases I had previously raised with the Gvt to 8 to 9 years. I remain concerned this is linked to their legitimate anti-corruption work. @azmissiongeneva
At #HRC59, we hosted a roundtable on the erosion of press freedom in Russia, Belarus & Azerbaijan. Brave journalists exposed how propaganda & censorship silenced independent voices. We thank our speakers & 15 missions who joined us. #FreedomOfSpeech #PressFreedom #NoToPropaganda
#AZERBAIJAN 🇦🇿 CRUSHES PRESS FREEDOM: 7 Journalists Sentenced to Up to 9 Years ⚠️ Ulvi Hasanli, director of “Abzas Media,” Sevinj Vagifgizi, editor-in-chief, Hafiz Babali, investigative journalist, and Farid Mehralizade, a journalist and economist for Radio Azadliq, were each…
⚠️ Bahruz Samadov—a researcher, not a criminal—has reportedly attempted suicide in prison. He faces 16 years on trumped-up treason charges. We demand accountability for his unlawful detention before another bright voice is silenced forever!
Researcher and OC Media contributor Bahruz Samadov has attempted to take his own life in prison, after prosecutors demanded he be sentenced to 16 years on charges of treason. ➡️ Read more: oc-media.org/azerbaijani-re…
Zahra Kalantari, the advocacy officer of the IRFS, provides information about the imprisoned female journalists in Azerbaijan and the specific challenges they face - UN office, Geneva