The International Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement regarding the extension of prison terms for journalists of the Azerbaijani independent publication Abzas Media.

“We are deeply disappointed that the Azerbaijani authorities have once again extended the unjustified arrest of six Abzas Media journalists, and consider the charges brought against them to be retaliation for critical reporting,” said Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator.

The detention was extended for the director of the publication Ulvi Hasanli, chief editor Sevinj Vagifkizi, project manager Muhammad Kekalov, journalists Nargiz Absalamova, Hafiz Babali and Elnara Gasymova. They were all accused of currency smuggling, which refers to receiving grants from foreign entities. Abzas Media employees are among 11 journalists from four independent media outlets currently in prison in Azerbaijan on similar charges.

“Azerbaijani authorities must immediately release all those arrested on similar charges. Journalists should not become victims of diplomatic clashes between Azerbaijan and the West,” the CPJ statement said.

Earlier, international organizations, including the US State Department, called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release the unjustly arrested press representatives. In addition, the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) of Azerbaijan condemned the massive repression of independent media.