Farid Mehralizada is an Azerbaijani economist and researcher whose work covers public policy, social welfare, education and climate issues. Through his economic analysis for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Azerbaijani Service and contributions to the Baku Research Institute and other independent platforms, he has examined government decisions and their consequences for living standards and access to public services.

Mehralizada was detained in Baku on 30 May 2024 and prosecuted in the “Abzas Media case”. The outlet clarified that he had no employment relationship with it and had participated only as an independent expert providing commentary. On 20 June 2025, the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced him to nine years’ imprisonment. The Supreme Court dismissed his cassation appeal on 3 April 2026, upholding his conviction and sentence.

He was convicted on multiple criminal charges, including money laundering, tax evasion, and other alleged financial and economic offences. He and his co-defendants have consistently rejected all charges, maintaining that the criminal proceedings against them are politically motivated and linked to their legitimate professional work in the media. International organisations recognise him as a political prisoner.