Police in Azerbaijan arrested journalist Ulviya Ali today, local media reported, amid an ongoing criminal case against six of her colleagues working at the independent TV channel Meydan.

Azerbaijani media reported that Ali has been detained for a month on suspicion of smuggling. She denies all charges.

Several other journalists have been accused of smuggling in recent months, a charge they reject as politically motivated and say is intended to silence critical voices.

Oil-rich Azerbaijan has rejected Western criticism of the arrests, saying statements by Western diplomats and human rights groups calling for the release of activists and journalists amount to interference in its judicial system.

He also claims that the arrests are not politically motivated.

Reporters Without Borders reports that 24 journalists and media workers are currently detained in Azerbaijan.