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Trial against independent Meydan TV journalists starts in Baku (Dec 12). 11 journalists face up to 12 years for financial crimes linked to foreign grants, a case CPJ labels an "unwarranted crackdown" on free press. Follow this crucial test of media freedom. Hearings set for Dec 22.

Vugar Gadirli, a member of the Imishli District Organization of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), was detained on the morning of December 12.

Azerbaijani lawyer Namizad Safarov was arrested and detained for 4 months on large-scale fraud charges (~$31k USD). While government sources cite failure to reinstate a client, opposition figures claim the charges are politically motivated due to his anti-corruption work and activism. Read the full report on the controversial detention.

Detained journalist Shamshad Aga speaks out from prison, strongly condemning the arrests of opposition leaders Ali Karimli & Mammad Ibrahim as Ilham Aliyev's act of repression. Aga insists fabricated charges cannot suppress the people’s enduring desire for democracy and justice in Azerbaijan. Read the full, powerful letter.

Human rights advocate Arzu Abdullayeva formally appeals to President Aliyev for the release of 12 arrested Meydan TV journalists. She argues the charges (smuggling, money laundering) are unduly harsh and linked to their free speech rights. Abdullayeva asks for a humanitarian act to boost public trust and Azerbaijan's image.

Journalist Shamsad Agha sends a powerful plea from the Baku Isolator, condemning the arrests of Ali Karimli & Mammad Ibrahim on 'fabricated' charges. He calls this a direct attack on democracy and stresses that repression will fail to kill the people's desire for justice and freedom. Read his full statement.

Azerbaijan's human rights crisis (Oct 2025 data) is escalating: 392 political figures, including 29 journalists, are jailed as the government cracks down on independent media and activists. Read the full report.

Baku court rejects house arrest for PFPA's Ali Karimli on power seizure charges. The defense will appeal the politically motivated decision. Details on police action against party activists, including Emil Salim's detention, and the broader context of the November 29 arrests.

A new report, "Trading Away Principles," details how the EU's relationship with Azerbaijan is prioritizing energy security and geopolitics over human rights. With over 400 political prisoners and media suppression, the EU's silence is seen as acceptance. The report demands that future deals mandate the release of all political prisoners and real democratic reform.

Azerbaijan voices strong concerns over the new EU-Armenia Strategic Partnership Agenda, arguing it misrepresents post-conflict realities and harms peace talks. Key disagreements include the labeling of residents as refugees, support for ICJ claims, EUMA's border focus, and the omission of the TRIPP project. Understand the rising diplomatic tension in the South Caucasus.

The RSF 2025 Annual Report reveals an alarming crisis: 67 journalists were killed and 503 jailed worldwide (Dec 2024-2025). The report highlights Gaza, Mexico, and countries like China and Russia as dangerous zones. RSF calls for urgent international action against press violence and impunity. Read the devastating global overview.

HR advocate Rufat Safarov faces politically motivated charges in Baku. His defense showed phone records proving the accuser contacted arresting officers beforehand. This crucial evidence suggests police involvement and a targeted effort to silence the critic. Get the full trial details.

Exiled editor Ganimat Zahid's trial begins in Baku on political charges linked to his journalism. HRW condemns Azerbaijan's repression against critics and demands all politically driven charges be dropped.

Azerbaijani lawyer and human rights advocate Namizad Safarov was detained on Dec 9th, reportedly by plain-clothed individuals. Pro-government media cites "fraud" allegations. The detention of the prominent activist, known for his civic stance, sparks serious concerns for political figures in Azerbaijan. Read the full details.

Ulviyya Ali's report from detention exposes how female prisoners in Azerbaijan, charged with fraud/drugs, attribute their plight to abusive male partners and systemic injustice. Her statement: "I am also a victim of one man - Ilham Aliyev." Read the compelling stories of Saida, Nurana, and Toma.

One year after her arrest in the Meydan TV case, journalist Aysel Umudova writes a powerful letter from a Baku detention center, detailing her illegal detention, panic attack, and psychological abuse. Discover her defiant message of hope and unwavering belief in her work despite facing 7 charges. Read her full story.

Read Akif Gurbanov’s letter from detention on how media control harms democracy. He stresses the urgent need for critical thinking, urging families and educators to teach children to question, think independently, and be proactive. True change starts with individual habits.

Nurlan Libre, arrested in the Meydan TV case, formally alleges he was tortured by Penitentiary Service staff using the 'Palestinian hanging' method on Dec 1, 2025. Libre states the incident was recorded by court cameras. Read the urgent application detailing human rights violations and demanding a transparent investigation.

Detained Azerbaijani politician Ruslan Izzetli requires urgent gallbladder surgery. His wife warns that his critical health—including high blood pressure and a severe gallbladder condition—risks deadly sepsis if he remains in Baku Investigative Isolator No. 1. Concerns rise over the treatment of political prisoners.

Alarming update on the Toplum TV trial in Azerbaijan. Co-founder Alasgar Mammadli required medical help in court due to health issues, highlighting the dire situation for the 10 people charged. Defendants, initially accused of smuggling, strongly deny all charges, claiming their arrests are political. Read the defense's arguments and next steps.