Farid Mehralizadeh was arrested in connection with the Abzas Media case. However, this media outlet issued a statement clarifying that they had no cooperation with the economist.

Stephen Kapus, the president of Azadlig Radio, has called for the release of journalist and economist Farid Mehralizade. 

"Today, October 30, marks five months since the illegal arrest of Farid Mehralizade, a journalist and economist with Radio Liberty. We are deeply concerned that he remains imprisoned on false charges. We urge his immediate release so he can return home to his wife and newborn daughter," said Stephen Kapus.

Farid Mehralizade was detained by the police on May 31 while leaving work. Following his detention, his home was searched.

On June 1, he was charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to smuggling committed by a group of individuals who had colluded in advance in connection with the Abzas Media case. 

The Khatai District Court decided on a pretrial detention measure of 3 months and 20 days for him.

On the same day, the interim management of Abzas Media issued a statement stating that Mehralizade had no cooperation or connection with this media organization.

Later, Farid Mehralizade and the others arrested in this case were charged with seven additional serious charges related to financial issues.

Six employees of Abzas Media have been arrested on smuggling charges since last November. Several other individuals were also investigated as suspects or questioned as witnesses.

Human rights organizations, both local and international, view these prosecutions as politically motivated and demand the release of those arrested, as well as the withdrawal of charges against them.