Their in-person meetings with family members have been completely banned.

The detained employees of "Abzas Media" are facing pressure in the detention facility for refusing to attend the court hearing scheduled for March 4. Their relatives reported this information, stating that in addition to the pressure, new restrictions have been imposed on them.

"On March 4, the deputy head of Baku Detention Center No. 1, Ahad Abdiyev, informed the journalists that they would no longer be taken to court separately in a deteriorated condition but rather in a normal environment and together. This decision was reportedly made following a court directive. However, when they were being transported to court, it became evident that they were being taken in two separate vehicles under the same poor conditions. As a result, they refused to attend the hearing for the third time," the statement said.

It was also reported that after this, the head of the detention center, Elnur Ismayilov, spoke to "Abzas Media" journalists in a rude and threatening manner.

"The journalists demanded that Elnur Ismayilov communicate with them within the bounds of ethical conduct. However, the detention center chief ignored this demand. The journalists then left the meeting halfway," their relatives stated.

According to Article 28 of the "Law on Ensuring the Rights and Freedoms of Persons Held in Detention Facilities," detention facility employees must treat detainees with respect. Any humiliating actions toward detained or imprisoned individuals are strictly prohibited. However, the detention center chief has violated this legal requirement.

Article 12 of the same law states that detainees must be allowed to meet with their defense attorneys, legal representatives, close relatives, and other persons with whom they have a lawful interest in maintaining contact.

Additionally, Clause 1.24 of Article 8 in the Cabinet of Ministers' February 26, 2024, Decision No. 105 on the "Approval of Internal Disciplinary Rules for Detention Facilities" states that detainees have the right to meet with their close relatives or other persons with whom they have a legal interest in maintaining contact.

For the third time, "Abzas Media"’s imprisoned director Ulvi Hasanli, editor-in-chief Sevinc Vaqifqizi (Abbasova), and journalists Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova have refused to attend the trial at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes.

Their refusal stems from the fact that the court has failed to investigate their complaints regarding physical abuse and inhumane treatment at Baku Detention Center No. 1. They have also protested against being transported to court in inhumane conditions, being kept separately, and being held in the basement of the courthouse.