The organization stated that never before in the country’s history of independence have so many female journalists been so harshly punished.

The Norwegian Helsinki Committee has called on the Azerbaijani government to release eight imprisoned female journalists on bail or under conditional release as a humanitarian gesture ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8.

In a statement released today, the organization emphasized that priority should be given to those in urgent need of medical assistance and those whose family members depend on them.

The organization noted that although the government refuses to fully dismiss the baseless charges, it must acknowledge that long-term imprisonment is not only excessively harsh but also inhumane and unconscionably cruel.

"For years, the authorities have pursued dubious and punitive criminal cases against their critics. Female journalists, in particular, have borne a heavy cost, as they have stood at the forefront of recent human rights crises.

By imprisoning eight female journalists for their professional activities, Azerbaijan has carried out an unprecedented level of repression. Raids, arrests, and trials based on unfounded accusations have become a dangerous norm," the statement said.

The Norwegian Helsinki Committee emphasized that never before in the country’s independence history have so many female journalists faced such severe punishment.

"Independent journalism has never been easy in Azerbaijan, especially for women. Although the country is secular in religious terms, deep-rooted gender stereotypes and conservative traditions prevail. The increasing number of female journalists being imprisoned is forcing others in the profession to leave, thereby reinforcing self-censorship in the media environment," the statement continued.

The organization highlighted that amid the crackdown on the media in Azerbaijan, the targeting of female journalists has been particularly notable, and this trend has intensified since 2023.

Between November 20, 2023, and January 13, 2024, the editor-in-chief of "Abzas Media," Sevinc Vagifgizi (36), along with journalists Nargiz Absalamova (27) and Elnara Gasimova (29), were arrested. In December 2024, police ordered the detention of "Meydan TV" female journalists Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunash) (50), Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdiq) (32), Aysel Umudova (33), and Khayala Agayeva (28). Last week, prominent "Toplum TV" journalist Shahnaz Baylarqizi (51) was also arrested.

These journalists, whose homes were searched and personal belongings confiscated under charges of smuggling, fraud, and tax evasion, reject the accusations, stating that the repressions are linked to their critical reporting. If convicted, they face up to eight years in prison.

"These eight journalists have remained committed to principles of independence, justice, and credibility by exposing corruption and human rights violations. The outlets they worked for—‘Abzas Media,’ ‘Toplum TV,’ and ‘Meydan TV’—have faced severe government pressure. Since November 2023, at least 20 journalists have been imprisoned, while others have been banned from leaving the country, summoned for questioning, or forced into exile. For those wishing to pursue journalism in Azerbaijan, the only alternatives are imprisonment, exile, or self-censorship," the organization stated.

The human rights organization’s appeal noted that the international response to human rights violations in the country has been largely weak, limited to superficial statements.

"Azerbaijan continues to commit such injustices because it has consistently remained unpunished."

The Norwegian Helsinki Committee emphasized that these female journalists are "troublesome" figures for the authorities and that their imprisonment is part of a broader repressive policy.

"Currently, the journalists detained in Baku are facing prolonged court proceedings. Officially, pre-trial detention in Azerbaijan should not exceed three months, but in politically motivated cases, this period can be extended for years. Their lawyers have complained about inhumane detention conditions and ill-treatment."

It was also noted that some of the imprisoned female journalists are facing serious health problems and require urgent medical treatment.

"The lack of adequate healthcare services in prison endangers their health. Some of them are family breadwinners or single parents, making the impact of their imprisonment even more severe. For instance, Aynur Elgunash has physical disabilities, has undergone several major surgeries, and requires continuous medical care. Meanwhile, Shahnaz Baylarqizi has two young children, and doctors have confirmed that she has significant health issues. Their detention not only threatens their well-being but also deprives their families of maternal care," the organization’s statement emphasized.

The organization stressed that pre-trial detention should be a last resort and must be based on concrete evidence.

"However, Azerbaijani courts continue to keep these journalists behind bars without presenting any credible proof. This is a clear violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) guarantees against arbitrary detention.

Azerbaijani courts rarely consider alternative measures to imprisonment in politically motivated cases. Yet, these eight journalists pose no threat to society, and alternatives such as house arrest could be applied," the statement said.

The Norwegian Helsinki Committee pointed out that the Azerbaijani government claims to highly value women’s rights.

"President Ilham Aliyev’s rhetoric presents an image of a society where ‘women are respected and family values are protected.’ However, the continued imprisonment of eight female journalists calls these claims into serious question. This undermines the sincerity of the Azerbaijani government’s official narratives on women’s rights and family values," the statement highlighted.

The organization reiterated that releasing these journalists would not only be a humanitarian act but also a constructive decision to ease political tensions in society.

"In line with the essence of International Women’s Day, the Azerbaijani government must ensure justice and secure the release of these journalists," the Norwegian Helsinki Committee stated.

Since November 2023, nearly 30 journalists in Azerbaijan have been arrested on smuggling charges. They reject the accusations, asserting that their imprisonment is linked to their professional activities. Subsequently, many of them have faced aggravated charges.

According to lists compiled by local human rights organizations, there are currently more than 350 political prisoners in Azerbaijani prisons. Authorities consistently deny that anyone in the country is imprisoned solely for their professional activities or on political grounds.

Local and international human rights organizations continue to call on the government to release those unjustly detained.