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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Journalist Ulviyya Ali's detention in Azerbaijan is extended until Dec 27 in the Meydan TV case. Accused of smuggling, Ali used a poem in court to dispute the charges, which she calls irrelevant. The high-profile case now involves 12 suspects. Get the full details on the extension and the case context.

ECHR rules in favor of 'Azadlig' newspaper, declaring a 2012 fine over a critical article about the Baku Metro's finances was a violation of press freedom. The court ordered Azerbaijan to pay €29,500 in damages. A landmark decision for journalism and free speech.

Tense Baku court hearing for Toplum TV journalists: Farid Ismayilov challenged smuggling charges and demanded Customs Head Shahin Bagirov testify, questioning his state honor amid media arrests. The case highlights major concerns about media freedom and political motivations in Azerbaijan. Read more.