Farid Mehralizade Denied Accusations in Supreme Court: A New Turn in the "AbzasMedia" Case
A new phase begins in the AbzasMedia case - Journalist Farid Mehralizade stated that the accusations against him were baseless. This statement was made on March 6 at the Supreme Court during a trial presided over by Judge Zaur Huseynov.
Mehralizade's name has been mentioned in connection with the "AbzasMedia" case, which has caused widespread discussion in Azerbaijani society in recent months. Several employees of "AbzasMedia," known as an independent investigative journalism platform, including its editor-in-chief Ulvi Hasanli and director Sevinj Vagifgizi, have been held in custody since November of last year.
These individuals have been charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling – committed by a group of persons in prior conspiracy). According to the investigation's claims, they illegally brought funds into the country from abroad.
Farid Mehralizade is also among the individuals named in this case, and he categorically denies all accusations against him. Mehralizade specifically emphasizes that these accusations are politically motivated and directly related to his journalistic activities.
Farid Mehralizade's case was discussed at the session held in the Supreme Court. Although all details of the court proceedings have not yet been fully disclosed, sources note that the journalist reiterated his position.
The "AbzasMedia" case is raising serious concerns about the future of independent media and freedom of speech in Azerbaijan. International organizations and local human rights defenders strongly criticize this case and demand the immediate release of the arrested journalists.
Farid Mehralizade's denial of the accusations indicates that the ongoing legal struggle surrounding "AbzasMedia" has entered a new phase. Both the local public and international organizations are closely monitoring the further developments of this case.