Farid Mehralizada, a young economist and journalist for Radio Free Europe/RL, has garnered attention for his ability to make complex economic issues accessible to the public. However, this gift has made him a target of Azerbaijani authorities, culminating in his abduction on May 30, 2024. Charged initially with foreign currency smuggling, more serious allegations followed, including money laundering and document forgery, potentially leading to a 12-year prison sentence. His plight echoes the experiences of colleagues like Alsu Kurmasheva, who similarly faced harsh penalties for their journalistic endeavors.
Farid Mehralizada's superpower in explaining economics has made him a sought-after commentator, but it also led to his violent abduction and serious legal troubles.
The authorities' actions against Mehralizada highlight a troubling trend where truth-telling journalists face harsher penalties than serious criminals.
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