US calls for the release of three recently arrested Azerbaijani journalists

The United States expressed concern about the arrests of a number of journalists in Azerbaijan. We are talking about Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgyzy and activist Magomed Kekalov.

“We call on the government of Azerbaijan to respect the rights and freedoms of all, including freedom of expression,” the US State Department noted.

The day before, a Baku court issued a decision according to which Hasanli and Vagifgyzy were found guilty of importing smuggled currency into the country and were arrested for four months. If their guilt is proven, they face up to 8 years in prison. Similar charges have been brought against activist Magomed Kekalov.

Hasanli and Vagifgyzy headed Abzas Media, one of the few independent publications remaining in Azerbaijan. Abzas Media published mainly journalistic investigations concerning the business of the presidential family and officials subordinate to the president.