All Articles

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.

Pro-government TV channel POSTV in Georgia seemingly reported the arrests of anti-government figures before they occurred. The premature details were quickly removed, but the individuals were later arrested, raising suspicions about the TV station's prior awareness of the police targets. The Georgian Orthodox Church dismissed Archimandrite Dorote Kurashvili, a priest known for criticizing the government, from his parish in Tbilisi. Kurashvili believes the dismissal was orches

Azerbaijan's State Security Service (SSS) raided Hürriyet newspaper offices and arrested Editor-in-Chief Vugar Mammadov on October 30. The operation is rumored to be linked to the case of ex-Presidential Administration head Ramiz Mehdiyev, who faces serious charges and is under house arrest.

The controversial Toplum TV case involves criminal charges (smuggling, illegal finance) against Azerbaijani journalists and activists. The defense argues the arrests are politically motivated retaliation for their independent reporting. Learn about the key defendants and the core conflict.

Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov received a 14-day administrative arrest and a massive $100,000 fine (270,000 Lari) in Georgia for "illegal road blocking" during Tbilisi protests. His wife alleges he is being denied communication with his family. Sadigov was previously detained on an Azerbaijani extradition request.

On October 23, the Khatai District Court of Baku considered the complaint filed by Meydan TV journalist Aitac Tapdig regarding her marriage with animal rights activist Kamran Mammadli in Baku Detention Center No. 1.

Jailed Abzas Media editor Sevinj Vagifqizi's family reports alleged abuse, forced searches, and privacy violations during a visit to Lankaran Penitentiary Complex on October 18, 2025. Her mother and sister faced aggressive checks despite medical conditions. This follows the journalist's transfer to the facility. Get the full story on the incident and the ongoing media case.

Meclis.info head Imran Aliyev's health worsens in detention due to pain & stress. Learn about the forced court appearance, nervous breakdown, and serious charges he faces.

It has been reported that Ali Zeynal, an employee of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI) detained in connection with the "Toplum TV case", was only allowed to meet with his family behind a glass barrier at the Baku Investigative Isolator (Baku Investigative Isolator) where he is being held.

On October 14, the Khatai District Court reviewed a petition to grant temporary leave from the Pre-Trial Detention Center (SIZO) to Shamshad Aga (Aghayev), the head of the arqument.az website and a person arrested in the Meydan TV case, so he could attend the memorial service for his 18-year-old niece.

Political prisoners in Azerbaijan report worsening detention conditions and health crises. Ombudsman accused of neglect. AbzasMedia journalists face smoke exposure and information blockade. Rights groups estimate over 390 political prisoners.