# Azerbaijan Denies Adequate Medical Care to Imprisoned Journalists Ulvi Hasanli and Nargiz Absalamova's health conditions are deteriorating. - **Published:** 2026-08-18 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c6af3034-39a9-44de-a404-0259f85b639a ## Health Conditions of Abzas Media Journalists Abzas Media director Ulvi Hasanli and journalist Nargiz Absalamova are being denied adequate medical care. While Hasanli isn't receiving proper treatment, Absalamova has been waiting for an MRI scan since January. Their health has deteriorated following prolonged hunger strikes. The International Press Institute (IPI) condemned the situation and demanded immediate medical intervention. ## Arrests and Convictions Ulvi Hasanli was detained in Baku in November 2023 while on his way to the airport. This incident marked the beginning of a new wave of repression against independent media in Azerbaijan. In June 2025, Hasanli was sentenced to 9 years in prison, while Absalamova received an 8-year sentence. A total of 7 journalists and media workers affiliated with Abzas Media are currently imprisoned. ## Politically Motivated Cases Charges against Abzas Media staff are believed to be politically motivated. Prison sentences range from 7.5 to 9 years. International human rights organizations claim these cases aim to restrict freedom of expression. The Azerbaijani government denies the allegations. ## International Reactions IPI called on Azerbaijani authorities to comply with international human rights standards. The organization emphasized journalists should be released immediately and receive proper medical care. The European Union and United Nations have made similar statements. ## Press Freedom in Azerbaijan Azerbaijan ranks low in press freedom indexes. Pressure on independent media outlets has increased in recent years. Abzas Media received IPI's 'Free Media Pioneer' award in 2022. Journalism is becoming increasingly difficult in the country, with many journalists receiving prison sentences. ## Impact of Hunger Strikes Prolonged hunger strikes have contributed to the deteriorating health of Hasanli and Absalamova. Imprisoned journalists began the strikes as a form of protest. However, authorities haven't met their demands despite these actions. Human rights organizations warn hunger strikes could have fatal consequences. ## Denial of MRI Access Nargiz Absalamova has reportedly been waiting for an MRI scan since January. Doctors say her condition requires urgent medical intervention. Yet authorities keep postponing this request. Denial of access to basic medical services like MRI is considered a violation of international law. ## Fight for Freedom of Expression The Abzas Media case highlights the state of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. Journalists' prison sentences pose a serious threat to press freedom. International pressure could change the fate of imprisoned journalists. This case is drawing attention from press freedom advocates worldwide. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/international-press-institute-ipi-_azerbaijan-activity-7495442518650802177-LJFg — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._