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OBYEKTIV MEDIA


"Ulviyya Ali writes from detention: 'I am also a victim of one man - Ilham Aliyev'
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.
9 hours ago3 min read


December 6, 2024 – The last day of freedom…
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.
10 hours ago5 min read


Toplum TV Trial Affected by Defendant's Health and Defense Request
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.
12 hours ago1 min read


Azerbaijan-Georgia Media Forum Discussion
Discover the conflict at the Azerbaijan-Georgia Media Forum hosted by MEDİA. While aiming for cooperation, the event was dominated by state-affiliated groups. Discussions criticized international media as "hybrid attacks" and promoted rules suggesting increased state censorship, contrasting sharply with ongoing crackdowns on independent press freedom in both countries.
14 hours ago2 min read


Azerbaijani journalist Hafiz Babali is in jail and is not getting needed medical care, resulting in declining health
Urgent call: Azerbaijani investigative journalist Hafiz Babali's health is failing in prison due to severe lack of medical care for a serious leg infection. Jailed in the AbzasMedia case, he faces blocked court appeals and restricted visits. Demand medical treatment and respect for legal rights now.
19 hours ago2 min read


It’s been a year since the Meydan TV case started, a clear sign of the Azerbaijani government's crackdown on independent news
One year into the Meydan TV case, 12 Azerbaijani journalists and activists face severe charges, including money laundering and tax fraud, as the government escalates its crackdown on independent media. They deny the political charges. Press freedom is at risk. Next hearing: Dec 12.
2 days ago2 min read


Jailed Reporter Hafiz Babalı Reports Health Crisis, Blocked Legal Access
Investigative reporter Hafiz Babalı, imprisoned in Azerbaijan following the Abzas Media case, is reporting a health crisis and the illegal obstruction of his legal appeals. Sentenced to nine years, Babalı urgently needs medical care for severe leg symptoms. He alleges prison authorities are blocking appeals targeting pro-government media for defamation. This case underscores critical press freedom issues in Azerbaijan. Restore Babalı's medical care and access to justice now.
4 days ago3 min read


Arrested Azerbaijani Researcher Ilkin Amrahov Marks 24th Birthday in Detention
Researcher Ilkin Amrahov, 24, spent his birthday in jail following his arrest in the Toplum TV case. Read how the pro-democracy activist, who strongly denies currency smuggling charges, described the warrant-less police raid. The case raises serious concerns about media freedom and human rights in Azerbaijan.
4 days ago2 min read


Conversations on Economics with My Daughter Published, Translated by Imprisoned Journalist Farid Mehralizade
Yanis Varoufakis's "Conversations on Economics" is now in Azerbaijani. Completed by imprisoned RFE/RL journalist Farid Mehralizade, the book simplifies capitalism, AI risks, and money policy. Mehralizade stressed the vital role of economic knowledge for strengthening democracy and fair wealth distribution in Azerbaijan.
4 days ago2 min read


Hafiz Babalı, an investigative journalist jailed in Azerbaijan, is reportedly in declining health
Investigative journalist Hafiz Babalı (AbzasMedia case) is suffering from poor health in an Azerbaijani prison, serving a 9-year sentence. A prison doctor confirms his serious leg condition requires urgent care. Babalı claims officials are blocking his legal complaints. Critics see this case as an attempt to silence independent media. Read more.
4 days ago1 min read


Meydan TV Case: Trial to Start Soon
The Meydan TV case, which involves the arrest of 12 journalists and media workers in Azerbaijan, is heading to court. The first hearing is scheduled for December 12 at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes. Judge Aytan Aliyeva and her team will be in charge of the proceedings. Who's Involved? Twelve people are facing charges in this case. The first arrests happened on December 6, 2024. Those arrested included Meydan TV staff members Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunash), Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdiq
6 days ago1 min read


The country is shutting down, next stop: Darkness…
Jailed journalist Fatima Movlamli speaks out from custody against the absurd arrest of PFPA Chairman Ali Karimli and Mammad Ibrahim. She calls the dictatorship cooperation charges "fabrication" and warns, "The country is closing down, facing endless darkness.” Read her full, urgent letter.
6 days ago2 min read


Azerbaijan's Toplum TV Case and Political Arrests: A Look
The trial of Toplum TV and IDI employees in Baku raises alarms over political arrests and due process. Lawyers cite police coercion & fabricated evidence, while activists claim a prearranged verdict. Read about the charges against 10 journalists/activists, the detention of Ali Karimli, and Fazil Gasimov's appeal. The case tests media freedom in Azerbaijan.
Dec 23 min read


Shamshad Aga: This isn't a criminal case; it's the tale of Malikmammad
Azerbaijani journalists in the Meydan TV case, including editor Shamshad Aga, face increased charges and extended detention believed to be politically driven. They report physical abuse in custody and demand an unbiased investigation. The core claim: punishment for critical views. Read the full details.
Dec 22 min read


Sevinj Vagifqizi: “Writing in this country requires courage. There are currently journalists who show that courage, even if they are arrested or face pressure…”
Imprisoned journalist Sevinj Vagifqizi defines real courage as the inner will to resist illegal power. Learn about the resilience of journalists who speak truth to power despite extreme risks. Read her powerful perspective.
Nov 302 min read


Ruslan Izzetli Complains About Lack of Medical Care in Pre-trial Detention
Political detainee Ruslan Izzetli (Toplum TV case) reports critical medical neglect in Baku SIZO No. 1. Suffering from severe gallstone disease requiring urgent attention, he has been denied an ultrasound for a month. Izzetli criticizes the Ministry of Justice medical service as "unfit," jeopardizing thousands of prisoners' health.
Nov 292 min read


HRW Urges Azerbaijan Authorities to End Repression
HRW urges Azerbaijan to end the escalating repression against critics at home and abroad. Exiled journalists and activists face politically motivated charges like "calls for mass disorder." HRW calls for all political charges to be dropped immediately to protect freedom of expression.
Nov 292 min read


Azerbaijan's Crackdown Extends Overseas: Critics in Exile Targeted
Azerbaijan escalates transnational repression against 24 exiled critics, including journalists and activists, using Interpol and politically motivated charges (terrorism, fraud). HRW condemns the use of in absentia arrests to silence independent voices abroad and harass families at home. Host countries urged to protect targets.
Nov 282 min read


Turkish Journalist Fatih Altaylı Gets Over 4 Years for 'Threatening the President'
Turkish journalist Fatih Altaylı was sentenced to 4 years, 2 months for 'threatening the President' over historical comments. His ongoing detention (158 days) and the controversial verdict are criticized as an attack on press freedom and public speech. Explore the implications of this ruling for dissent in Turkey.
Nov 272 min read


Head of Kanal-13 Aziz Orujov Released from Prison
Kanal-13 head, Aziz Orujov, was released on November 27 after serving two years in detention on charges that rights advocates deem political. His release is a critical moment for press freedom in Azerbaijan, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by independent media figures.
Nov 271 min read
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