“Abzas Media Case”: Kekalov Retracts Statement, Says He Was Forced to Sign Documents

Mahammad Kekalov

On May 13, 2025, a new hearing was held at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes regarding the “Abzas Media case.” The session was chaired by Judge Rasim Sadikhov, and during the proceedings, all case documents were formally acknowledged as presented.

Following the document review, lawyers representing detained journalists Elnara Gasimova and Nargiz Absalamova addressed questions to another defendant in the case, Mahammad Kekalov. According to the case files, it is alleged that Elnara Gasimova, Hafiz Babali, and Nargiz Absalamova laundered money that was obtained through smuggling within Azerbaijan.

In response, Mahammad Kekalov stated: “I did not give such a statement during the investigation, and I’m hearing these words for the first time.” He also noted: “They just put the documents in front of me and made me sign them.”

The court hearing has been postponed until May 16, 2025.

The Abzas Media case began following the arrest of six staff members from the publication — which is known for its anti-corruption investigations in Azerbaijan — on November 20, 2023. Those arrested include director Ulvi Hasanli, deputy director Mahammad Kekalov, editor-in-chief Sevinc Vagifgizi, reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova, and investigative journalist Hafiz Babali. In May 2024, Radio Azadliq journalist and economist Farid Mehralizade was also detained as part of the same case.

Initially, all of the journalists were charged with smuggling. In August 2024, additional and more severe charges were brought against the detained individuals. Taking these new accusations into account, the journalists now face potential prison sentences ranging from 8 to 12 years.

Both local and international human rights organizations consider these arrests to be politically motivated and have called for the immediate release of the journalists and for all charges against them to be dropped.