Prosecutor seeks up to 12 years in prison in 'Abzas Media' case

At Azerbaijan’s Baku Serious Crimes Court, state prosecutor Ali Malishov requested prison sentences of 11 to 12 years for six journalists charged in the “Abzas Media” case.

State prosecutor Ali Malishov has requested prison sentences for six defendants in the “Abzas Media” case: 12 years each for Ulvi Hasanli, Farid Ahmadov, and Hafiz Babali; 11 years for Mahammad Karkalov; and 11 years each for Sevinc Vagifqizi and Nargiz Absalamova.

The journalists have been in pre-trial detention for several months, facing charges of smuggling under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code. Defense lawyers say the accusations are baseless and linked to their professional work.

The next hearing is scheduled for 10 June.

Aytac Zeynalova