Azerbaijan: State Crackdown on Independent Media Intensifies as Abzas Media Journalists Endure Abuse in Prison
November 17, 2024 - Azerbaijan, Baku
As Baku hosts world leaders at COP29, wrongfully jailed Abzas Media journalists Sevinj Vagifqizi, Elnara Gasimova, & Nargiz Absalamova are assaulted in their detention center.
A guard trapped Sevinj's hand in a vent, leaving severe bruises. Elnara was hit by guards & faces new false accusations. Nargiz is denied family visits, with cellmates also punished in an attempt to provoke hostility.
The journalists have urgently called for legal support and warned of a potential hunger strike if the mistreatment persists.
Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned for their safety and condemns Azerbaijan’s ongoing persecution of independent media. The international community’s failure to hold Azerbaijan accountable is appalling. All jailed journalists must be immediately and unconditionally released.
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