January 11, 2025 - Azerbaijan, Baku

Journalist Khanum Mustafayeva was barred from leaving Azerbaijan without explanation. Authorities at Baku airport cited a travel ban by the Ministry of Internal Affairs but gave no reasons.

Mustafayeva, who lives abroad, returned in December 2024 to visit family. Despite no criminal cases involving her she was denied travel back to Türkiye.

This reflects a disturbing trend of state persecution of independent media workers in Azerbaijan — in the last year dozens of independent journalists & activists have faced jail or travel bans, silencing critical voices.

Women Press Freedom denounces this repression. We demand transparency, accountability, and an end to these authoritarian measures