Strasbourg, September 13
PACE rapporteur Christophe Lacroix (Belgium, SOC) criticized a recent Baku Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the convictions of seven Abzas Media journalists, including director Ulvi Hasanli, who received a nine-year sentence in June 2025.
The convictions of @AbzasMedia journalists in #Azerbaijan are “part of a continuing pattern of pressure against independent media” in the country, says PACE rapporteur Christophe Lacroix, urging their release.
Stay Ahead with Azerbaijan.usGet exclusive translations, top stories, and analysis — straight to your inbox.Read his full statement:https://t.co/PlK5eoFpbT pic.twitter.com/t8Peaf8tdh
— PACE (@PACE_News) September 12, 2025
In a written statement, Lacroix said the “smuggling” charges appear aimed at silencing critical reporting on corruption and described the case as part of a wider pattern of pressure on independent media and civil society.
He urged Azerbaijan to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, release those detained, and return to “meaningful dialogue.”
Lacroix also noted Hasanli had been shortlisted for the 2025 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize.
The Justice Ministry and the Penitentiary Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Abzas Media’s representatives could not be reached
