Azerbaijan has charged two additional journalists with smuggling, their legal representatives confirmed on Thursday, amidst a trend of detentions that have drawn rebuke from Western countries regarding its human rights practices.
Shahnaz Beylerqizi and Shamshad Aga, both former employees of the now-defunct Toplum TV, were formally arrested following their recent detainment. The investigations into alleged financial crimes at the news outlet, closed in March 2024, resulted in the apprehension of nine individuals, including Toplum's creator Akif Gurbanov, on charges related to smuggling, money laundering, and tax evasion.
Beylerqizi, according to her attorney Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, is facing charges similar to the others but within a separate legal process; potential sentence could be up to 12 years in prison. Her husband, Ismayil Ayubov, informed Reuters that she is grappling with various health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and a brain cyst.
Similarly, Aga, as confirmed by his lawyer Shahla Humbatova, has been indicted on smuggling allegations.
Before these recent arrests, Reporters Without Borders highlighted that Azerbaijan had detained 21 journalists and media workers. The country's human rights record came under increased scrutiny during a major U.N. climate conference it hosted last year. Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced profound concern in December over the "growing crackdown on civil society and media" in the country.
Baku has vehemently rebuffed Western criticisms regarding the detainment of activists, journalists, and dissenters, deeming it unwelcome interference.