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Avaz Zeynalli
Founder, editor-in-chief of Xural TV
taking a bribe (Art.311), Illegal influence on the decision of an official (Art.
312-1.1 of the Criminal Court)
2011-10-28
Was released early from prison
Occupation:
Charges:
Arested:
Status:
Avaz Zeynalli is an Azerbaijani journalist and the founder and editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper *Khural*. Throughout his career, Zeynalli has faced legal challenges widely viewed as politically motivated due to his critical reporting.
Early Legal Troubles:
In October 2011, Zeynalli was arrested following allegations of extorting money from a member of parliament, Gular Ahmadova. He was accused of attempting to blackmail her in exchange for not publishing compromising material. Despite his denials and claims that the charges were linked to his journalistic activities, he was sentenced to nine years in prison in March 2013 on charges including extortion and tax evasion. He was released in December 2014 after receiving a pardon.
Recent Developments:
In September 2022, Zeynalli was arrested again, this time alongside lawyer Elchin Sadygov, on charges of extorting money from the family of imprisoned businessman Rasim Mammadov. Both denied the allegations, asserting that the case was an attempt to silence critical voices. In February 2024, Zeynalli was sentenced to nine years in prison, while Sadygov received a four-year sentence. International observers and human rights organizations condemned the trials, labeling them as unjust and politically driven.
International Response:
The International Press Institute (IPI) condemned Zeynalli's prison sentence, describing the charges as unfounded. citeturn0search0 Similarly, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called for his release, highlighting concerns over press freedom in Azerbaijan. citeturn0search9 The Council of Europe also urged Azerbaijani authorities to release Zeynalli and Sadygov, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalists and legal professionals from harassment and arbitrary detention.
Zeynalli's case underscores the challenges faced by independent media and legal professionals in Azerbaijan, reflecting broader concerns about freedom of expression and the rule of law in the country.
Avaz Zeynalli is an Azerbaijani journalist and the founder and editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper *Khural*. Throughout his career, Zeynalli has faced legal challenges widely viewed as politically motivated due to his critical reporting.
Early Legal Troubles:
In October 2011, Zeynalli was arrested following allegations of extorting money from a member of parliament, Gular Ahmadova. He was accused of attempting to blackmail her in exchange for not publishing compromising material. Despite his denials and claims that the charges were linked to his journalistic activities, he was sentenced to nine years in prison in March 2013 on charges including extortion and tax evasion. He was released in December 2014 after receiving a pardon.
Recent Developments:
In September 2022, Zeynalli was arrested again, this time alongside lawyer Elchin Sadygov, on charges of extorting money from the family of imprisoned businessman Rasim Mammadov. Both denied the allegations, asserting that the case was an attempt to silence critical voices. In February 2024, Zeynalli was sentenced to nine years in prison, while Sadygov received a four-year sentence. International observers and human rights organizations condemned the trials, labeling them as unjust and politically driven.
International Response:
The International Press Institute (IPI) condemned Zeynalli's prison sentence, describing the charges as unfounded. citeturn0search0 Similarly, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called for his release, highlighting concerns over press freedom in Azerbaijan. citeturn0search9 The Council of Europe also urged Azerbaijani authorities to release Zeynalli and Sadygov, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalists and legal professionals from harassment and arbitrary detention.
Zeynalli's case underscores the challenges faced by independent media and legal professionals in Azerbaijan, reflecting broader concerns about freedom of expression and the rule of law in the country.
Avaz Zeynalli
Founder, editor-in-chief of Xural TV
taking a bribe (Art.311), Illegal influence on the decision of an official (Art.
312-1.1 of the Criminal Court)
2011-10-28
Was released early from prison
Occupation:
Charges:
Arested:
Status:
Avaz Zeynalli is an Azerbaijani journalist and the founder and editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper *Khural*. Throughout his career, Zeynalli has faced legal challenges widely viewed as politically motivated due to his critical reporting.
Early Legal Troubles:
In October 2011, Zeynalli was arrested following allegations of extorting money from a member of parliament, Gular Ahmadova. He was accused of attempting to blackmail her in exchange for not publishing compromising material. Despite his denials and claims that the charges were linked to his journalistic activities, he was sentenced to nine years in prison in March 2013 on charges including extortion and tax evasion. He was released in December 2014 after receiving a pardon.
Recent Developments:
In September 2022, Zeynalli was arrested again, this time alongside lawyer Elchin Sadygov, on charges of extorting money from the family of imprisoned businessman Rasim Mammadov. Both denied the allegations, asserting that the case was an attempt to silence critical voices. In February 2024, Zeynalli was sentenced to nine years in prison, while Sadygov received a four-year sentence. International observers and human rights organizations condemned the trials, labeling them as unjust and politically driven.
International Response:
The International Press Institute (IPI) condemned Zeynalli's prison sentence, describing the charges as unfounded. citeturn0search0 Similarly, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called for his release, highlighting concerns over press freedom in Azerbaijan. citeturn0search9 The Council of Europe also urged Azerbaijani authorities to release Zeynalli and Sadygov, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalists and legal professionals from harassment and arbitrary detention.
Zeynalli's case underscores the challenges faced by independent media and legal professionals in Azerbaijan, reflecting broader concerns about freedom of expression and the rule of law in the country.