On November 21, journalist Sevinc Vaqifqizi was detained by police upon her arrival in Azerbaijan, precisely at Baku airport. According to her lawyer, Elchin Sadigov, she was charged with smuggling, charge that could lead to up to 8 years in prison. It is expected that Vaqifqizi will be brought to court this evening, 21 November, according to Abzas Media.
The news came less than 24 hours after those concerning journalist Ulvi Hasanli who was detained on the morning of 20 November 2023. He was supposed to fly from Baku airport, however there was no news about him until his lawyer declared that he was taken into custody by police. A criminal case was also started against him.
Over the years, Hasanli has placed himself in danger multiple times by exposing allegations of high-level corruption in Azerbaijan. He had already faced repeated harassment from the government in previous years.
Hasanli's assistant and activist, Mahammad Kekalov, has also been missing since Monday 20 November and his whereabouts remain unknown as of now. According to Radio Liberty, Kevalov was taken from his home in Baku by people in civilian clothes. The journalist's family also stated that his belongings, such as his computer, were taken away. Human rights defender, Samad Rahimli, reported on X that Baku City General Police Department dismisses that Kekalov is held there.
Abzas Media, have released on their media outlets a recording of Ulvi Hasanli speaking about what happened to him during detention and Baku independent news agency, Turan, reported in english the recording made by Hasanli that stated: “He told journalists that when he was detained, he was punched in the eye. Later, he was taken to the Baku City Police Department, where he was subjected to inhumane treatment and torture. He said that he was punched and kicked.”
The IFJ denounces all actions taken against journalists’ freedom of speech and demands a thorough investigation of the actions that took place on 20 November.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “The actions taken against Ulvi Hasanli and Sevinc Vaqifqizi represent yet another attempt to stifle and suppress media freedom in Azerbaijan. We demand that these journalists are immediately released, that all charges are dropped and a thorough investigation is conducted by authorities.”