Journalist Ganira Atash appeals to prominent human rights defenders

Ganira Atash, an Azerbaijani journalist living in the United States, addressed an open letter to members of the Human Rights Monitoring Group, stating that she faces real threats to her life and the safety of her family, and called for support. She posted the letter on her Facebook page.

According to Atash, while investigating illegal medical interventions by individuals without formal qualifications in Azerbaijan, she encountered the case of Gulbaniz Bayramova, who died after a liposuction procedure in the city of Ganja.

She claims that the operation was carried out by Gulsum Aliyeva, who has no medical education, at the “VMR Estetik” clinic.

“After submitting my investigation to Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Health, I was subjected to constant threats and harassment by Vusal Hasanov, who is in an unofficial relationship with Aliyeva. He insulted my late parents, edited and circulated defamatory videos using photos of my children, and spread false and slanderous material about me on social media. I have repeatedly reported these incidents to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but the threats persist,” Atash wrote.

She also noted that the same individual has targeted other women in Azerbaijan, including the daughter of well-known human rights activist Mirvari Gahramanli, as well as a member of the Russian community, Zarina Minakovskaya.

“That this person presents himself as a ‘government representative’ and blackmails journalists and women is a matter of serious public concern. I am seeking legal and public support from international human rights organizations,” the statement reads.

As a journalist and advocate for women’s rights, Ganira Atash called on human rights defenders to take action in defense of all women facing threats and harassment.

Vusal Hasanov also posted a video on his social media account stating that he is currently not in Azerbaijan and will respond to the accusations against him upon his return.