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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.

Jailed journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva) shares the poignant story of Enver, an exploited "household worker" in the Baku Pre-trial Detention Center. Learn about his unseen labor, his dedication of a 340 AZN salary to an old loan, and his simple, heartbreaking wish for dignity and a meal in freedom. A powerful testament to social injustice and the value of human labor.

Disturbing reports reveal inhumane conditions, forced labor, and alleged wage theft at the new Lankaran Prison Complex, where 12 female inmates are detained. Officials repeatedly cite "Inshallah" for critical missing medical and facility provisions. Demand accountability now.

Moscow launches the new 24/7 channel 'Nomad TV' in Kyrgyzstan just before elections. Led by an ex-RT producer, the channel offers double salaries to poach local journalists. This move, seen as Russian state propaganda, aims to boost waning influence in Central Asia and undermines the local independent media scene.

Sevinj Vagifgizi advocates for boundless journalism, stating that truth is universal and must not be sacrificed to state interests. She demands a world where no journalist faces threats, imprisonment, or death for revealing facts. Telling the truth must become a normal standard.

Journalist Nurlan Libre, arrested in the "Meydan TV case," writes from prison: "I will continue writing." Read his powerful letter on detention, the struggle for a free press, and his unwavering commitment to conveying the truth, despite facing 8-12 years. He regrets nothing.

Exiled Azerbaijani journalist Ganimat Zahid is summoned by the Prosecutor General's Office on charges of "Public calls against the state" (Art. 281.2). A four-month absentee arrest warrant has been issued, escalating concerns over press freedom and political pressure on critics.

Jailed Azerbaijani investigative journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi wins the prestigious Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Prize for Courage. The Editor-in-Chief of Abzas Media was honored for her resilience against injustice after receiving a 9-year sentence for anti-corruption reporting.

BBC apologizes to Donald Trump for misleadingly edited footage of his January 6 speech, which incorrectly suggested he incited violence. The broadcaster rejected Trump's $1 billion defamation claim. Two top executives resigned amid the controversy.

Azerbaijan's Supreme Court upholds the 2-year sentence for Aziz Orucov, head of Kanal 13, just before his release. The conviction, linked to "unauthorized construction," is seen as politically motivated retaliation against critical journalism amid a wider crackdown on media freedom.

Afgan Sadygov, Azerbaijani journalist & Azel TV head, is re-arrested in Georgia for 7 days over road blocking charges. Read the details on his ongoing legal fight and extradition battle.

Azerbaijani authorities declined to renew the residence permit of journalist Ruslan Suleymanov, an ethnic Azerbaijani with Russian citizenship, and issued a 1-year entry ban. Suleymanov suggests his Russian passport was the deciding factor in the decision, raising concerns about the status of skilled diaspora workers.

Journalist Ulviyya Ali, detained in the Meydan TV case, was denied lawyer access after objecting to a search. Her family alleges retaliation from the detention center head. This incident highlights the crackdown on press freedom in Azerbaijan, where over 30 journalists face politically motivated charges.

Toplum TV Case: Witnesses allege their statements were obtained under pressure at the Baku Grave Crimes Court. Defendants, including Ruslan Izzetli and Akif Gurbanov, protest Judge Azer Tagiyev's conduct, citing bias and violation of the presumption of innocence in this politically charged trial. The 10 activists face up to 12 years.

RSF names Ilham Aliyev and Bidzina Ivanishvili among 34 Press Freedom Predators in 2025. Discover how these global figures use imprisonment and propaganda to silence free media.

Jailed Abzas Media journalist Hafiz Babaly protests the illegal blocking of his disability pension account, demanding access to his sole livelihood. The case involves 7 journalists convicted in Azerbaijan for their work.

Jailed Azerbaijani journalist Farid Mehdralizade (Abzas Media) wins the US National Press Club's John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award 2025. The award honors his courage and highlights the plight of USAGM-linked reporters imprisoned abroad. US Congressman calls for his and his wife's release. Read the full story.

Azerbaijan claims BBC Azerbaijan staff are working illegally after their office was ordered to close. Pro-government APA, citing the Media Development Agency, reports that ex-BBC employees continue journalistic work without accreditation, calling it a serious legal violation. The BBC previously called the closure a restriction on press freedom.