Free Media Awards
2019
Hafiz Babali - Azerbaijan
The investigative journalist Hafiz Babali is behind the coverage of many high-profile cases about crime for profit and corruption in Azerbaijan.
His journalism has shown both Azerbaijanis and the international community alike the tremendous scope of the corruption that exists among the political and financial elite in the country.
Information discovered through Babali’s investigations was used in international reports on money laundering in Azerbaijan. He writes for free and independent media organisations like the news agency Turan and Radio Liberty, Meydan TV, the new media channel ASTNA and the anti-corruption portal Open Azerbaijan.
Babali receives constant threats to himself and his family as a result of his journalistic efforts.