Journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison
baku, woensdag, 23 juli 2025.
Sevinj Vagifgizi, editor-in-chief of the independent media outlet Abzas Media, has recently been sentenced to nine years in prison on false charges. In an open letter to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), she criticises the passivity of Western countries in the suppression of journalists. RSF calls for her immediate release and that of her 24 colleagues, emphasising that the conviction is a worrying attack on press freedom.
Journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison
Sevinj Vagifgizi, editor-in-chief of the independent media outlet Abzas Media, has recently been sentenced to nine years in prison on false charges. In an open letter to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), she criticises the passivity of Western countries in the suppression of journalists. RSF calls for her immediate release and that of her 24 colleagues, emphasising that the conviction is a worrying attack on press freedom [1].
A Letter from Behind Bars
In her letter, Vagifgizi writes: ‘Just because we do critical journalism doesn’t mean the government can tell us we don’t belong here.’ She highlights the despair and frustration of journalists in Azerbaijan, who face a regime that views any form of criticism as interference and tolerates only unquestioning obedience [1].
International Reactions
Vagifgizi’s sentencing took place on Wednesday, 18 July 2025. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has criticised the conviction, citing it as a violation of press freedom. Jeanne Cavelier, head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, states: ‘This conviction is a shocking example of the systematic oppression of journalists in Azerbaijan.’ RSF calls on the international community to take action [1][3][5].
Context of Suppression
Azerbaijan is known for its restrictive stance towards independent media. According to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by RSF, the country ranks 151 out of 180. In recent months, several journalists from independent media have been arrested, signalling a clear trend of increasing restrictions on press freedom in the country [6].
Impact on the Media Landscape
The conviction of Vagifgizi and her colleagues has a significant impact on the media landscape in Azerbaijan. It serves as a deterrent to other journalists and media outlets, who must now be more cautious with their reporting. This could lead to self-censorship and a loss of diversity and critical thinking in the media [1][3].
Call for International Solidarity
Vagifgizi’s letter calls for international solidarity and action. She stresses the need for support from Western countries and international organisations to defend press freedom in Azerbaijan. ‘One sentence we often hear from our visiting family members and lawyers is – ‘you’ve been forgotten,’’ she writes, criticising the general indifference of the international community [1].