HAFIZ BABALI

Investigative journalist and corruption researcher, currently imprisoned on disputed charges, known for his critical reports on corruption.

About Hafiz Babali

Hafiz Babali was born on 9 September 1971, in the Ismayilli district of Azerbaijan. 

He studied journalism at Baku State University from 1992 to 1996. While still a student, Babali began his career in journalism, first working as a translator for the newspaper Metallurg from 1992 to 1994 and then as a correspondent for Gunay newspaper from 1994 to 1997. 

In August 1997, Babali joined the Turan Information Agency, where he worked for over 26 years until his arrest in December 2023. 

He was the editor of the economics department at the Turan Information Agency and also carried out extensive investigations into corruption. His reports have been featured in media outlets such as Radio Liberty, Meydan TV, Open Azerbaijan, and Abzas Media. Babali’s investigative journalist work, particularly on corruption, earned him the Free Media Awards 2019 from the Fritt Ord Foundation and the ZEIT Foundation. 

Some of his notable investigations include exposing the alleged corruption of high-ranking officials, including members of the ruling family. His works, such as “Gypsum Export: Millions Evaded in Taxes,” “500 Million from the International Bank Disappeared,” and “Profitable Retro Business of the Pashayevs,” have gained significant attention. 

Babali also serves as the vice president of the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS), an organisation focused on defending the rights of journalists. 

Babali faced government pressure for years, leading him to leave Azerbaijan briefly from 2017 to 2018. However, he returned and continued his investigative work until his 13 December 2023 arrest. That day, he was detained on his way to work at Turan, and police searched his home. Babali was charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling involving a group of persons). This charge has also been levelled against other journalists associated with Abzas Media, and Babali denies the accusations.

Hafiz Babali<br />
An investigative journalist and corruption researcher, currently imprisoned on disputed charges, known for his critical reports on corruption in Azerbaijan.<br />

He was arrested after being interrogated as a witness in a case related to Abzas Media and questioned about the outlet’s financial activities. A few days after this interrogation, Babali posted a critical comment on social media regarding a questionable government contract involving window cleaning at the Police Department of Baku City. Many believe this post contributed to his arrest, as Babali was detained just four days after publishing it. 

Babali suffers from serious health issues, including visual impairment, for which he has been granted third-degree disability status, and varicose veins in his legs. Despite his condition, his family and supporters have raised concerns about the lack of proper medical treatment during his detention. During a court appearance on September 7, Babali told journalists that no measures were being taken to address his health problems. 

Babali is currently being held at the Baku Detention Center in Kurdakhani while the investigation into the case continues under the Main Police Department of Baku City. His arrest has drawn attention to press freedom issues in Azerbaijan, where independent journalists face increasing pressure.

Resources about Hafiz Babali

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Hafiz Babali An investigative journalist and corruption researcher, currently imprisoned on disputed charges, known for his critical reports on corruption in Azerbaijan.
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