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OBYEKTIV MEDIA


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.
Dec 3, 20252 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 2, 20253 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 2, 20252 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 30, 20252 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 29, 20252 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 29, 20252 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 28, 20252 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 27, 20252 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 27, 20251 min read


Journalist Ulviyya Ali's Detention Extended
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.
Nov 26, 20251 min read


ECHR Recognizes Violation of 'Azadlig' Newspaper's Rights
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.
Nov 26, 20252 min read


Toplum TV Case: Tense Court Hearing Includes Demand to Question Customs Head
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.
Nov 25, 20253 min read


“He Deserves It”
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.
Nov 25, 20255 min read


Troubling Inmate Conditions at Lankaran Prison
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.
Nov 22, 20254 min read


Moscow's New Media Push: 'Nomad TV' Launches in Kyrgyzstan
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.
Nov 21, 20252 min read


Sevinj Vagifgizi: “No one should face any threat, imprisonment, or death for uncovering the truth”
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.
Nov 20, 20252 min read


“I Will Continue Writing from Prison”
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.
Nov 18, 20254 min read


Ganimat Zahid summoned to the Prosecutor General's Office
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.
Nov 18, 20252 min read


Azerbaijani Journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi Receives Reporters Without Borders Prize for Courage While in Jail
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.
Nov 17, 20252 min read


BBC Apologizes to Trump, Refutes Defamation Claim
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.
Nov 16, 20251 min read
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