Khadija Ismayil Prevented From Seeing Her Loved Ones

U.S. -- Honoree Khadija Ismayilova, Azerbaijan's investigative journalist, onstage during the 2012 Courage in Journalism Awards hosted by the International Women's Media Foundation held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, in Beverly Hills, October 29, 2012

"It is holidays, but they didn't let us see her. We talked on the phone though" said Khadija's mother Elmira Ismayilova in an interview with AzadliqRadiosu.

"Khadija said she was doing ok when I spoke to her over the phone. We can normally meet once a week. But they didn't let us see her this time. I am now preparing for our next visit. Because she is still held in Kurkhadani pre-trial detention center, it is only family who can see her", said Elmira Ismayilova.

Khadija Ismayil was arrested December 5, 2014. She was originally charged with incitement to attempt suicide. In February additional charges were pressed against Ismayil. She was accused of abuse of power, tax evasion, appropriation and illegal enterpreneurship.

Khadija Ismayil denies charges.