The impartial Azerbaijani information platform Abzas Media will obtain a Free Media Award for its decisive, systematic investigative journalism. This prize awarded by the 2 foundations – The Fritt Ord Basis and ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS.
“Based by a gaggle of younger activists and journalists in 2016, Abzas Media rapidly gained a big viewers on social media. Today, the media outlet is very well-known for its reporting on state corruption. For instance, the journalists have turned a highlight on state procurements in reference to the reconstruction of destroyed villages and cities in Karabakh”, – reads a press launch by the Foundations.
Abzas Media exposes frequent breaches of human rights in Azerbaijan, whereas persistently remaining true to journalistic ideas when reporting on court docket instances, the struggles of marginalised teams, and the political opposition. In autumn 2023, the Azerbaijani authorities cracked down by arresting six key journalists and editors from Abzas Media.
They have been allegedly charged with ‘smuggling’ and ‘conspiracy to deliver cash into the nation illegally’. In August, seven extra prices have been introduced in opposition to the incarcerated group members, who now withstand 12 years’ imprisonment. A number of of Abzas Media’s companions have been additionally subjected to restrictive measures, and a few of these concerned in investigations have been denied permission to go away the nation.
In November 2023, 15 recognised media establishments joined the Forbidden Tales Consortium, the place they’re persevering with to pursue investigations began by Abzas Media. In February 2024, the imprisoned editorial group appointed Azerbaijani investigative journalist Leyla Mustafayeva as interim editor-in-chief of Abzas Media.
