Sevinj Vagifgizi dedicated her award to all journalists fighting against corruption.
On December 10, Sevinj Vagifgizi, the editor-in-chief of “Abzas Media,” who is currently in prison, was declared the “Global Anti-Corruption Champion.” In light of this achievement, she addressed the public in a heartfelt appeal.
The journalist expressed her gratitude to those who deemed her deserving of the award, as well as to everyone who remains loyal to democratic principles:
“I would like to thank everyone who remains loyal to democratic principles for deeming me worthy of this prestigious award.”
As part of “Abzas Media,” Sevinj Vagifgizi and her team have uncovered a wide range of corruption. They exposed the criminal activities of the family members of the country’s leader, Ilham Aliyev, and how the officials appointed by him misused state funds. Reflecting on the situation, she said, “Unfortunately, instead of opening criminal cases against these officials based on these facts, state agencies accused the journalists who uncovered these crimes of ‘dirty money’ and imprisoned them.”
According to Vagifgizi, after Ilham Aliyev took control of the judiciary and the legislative bodies, he has now shifted his focus to eliminating independent media. “However, I believe that everyone who remains loyal to democratic principles will not allow the destruction of the country’s only breathing entity, the free media. This award is an achievement of all journalists who have uncovered corruption crimes.”
The Global Anti-Corruption Champions Award, established in the U.S. in 2021, is designed to recognize individuals who have taken extraordinary steps in the fight against corruption. It also aims to demonstrate solidarity with these heroic partners.
Along with Sevinj Vagifgizi, nine other individuals were honored with this prestigious award.
Sevinj Vagifgizi was arrested on November 21, 2023, as part of the “Abzas Media Case.” She, along with five other imprisoned staff members of the media organization, has been accused of smuggling.
The journalists have denied the charges, asserting that their arrests are directly linked to their investigations into corruption.
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