Deteriorating Health and Continued Detention: The Plight of Azerbaijani Journalists Alasgar Mammadli and Farid Ismayilov

Alasgar Mammadli

Baku, Azerbaijan – The ongoing trial in the "Toplum TV case" continues to draw attention to the deteriorating health of media expert Alasgar Mammadli and journalist Farid Ismayilov, both currently imprisoned. Recent developments include a direct appeal to President Ilham Aliyev regarding Mammadli's critical medical condition and renewed, though unsuccessful, motions for house arrest for both individuals.

The arrests related to the "Toplum TV case" began in March of last year, with seven individuals initially detained on smuggling charges, including "Toplum TV" founder and media rights expert Alasgar Mammadli, and Akif Gurbanov, speaker of the III Republic Platform. Journalist Farid Ismayilov was arrested in January of this year, followed by Shahinaz Baylarqizi in February, though her case was later separated, and she was released to house arrest.

All those charged deny the accusations, asserting that their arrests are politically motivated responses to their professional activities. This case is part of a broader trend in Azerbaijan, where over 30 journalists and public activists have been arrested on smuggling charges since November 2023, facing potential sentences of up to 12 years. Local human rights organizations estimate approximately 370 political prisoners are currently held in Azerbaijani prisons. Officials, however, consistently maintain that no one is arrested for political reasons or professional activities, stating that individuals are held accountable solely for their actions.

During a court session on July 21, the health of Alasgar Mammadli, a renowned media rights expert and "Zardabi" prize laureate, was a central point of discussion. A group of journalists, human rights defenders, and public representatives have formally appealed to President Ilham Aliyev, highlighting the severe decline in Mammadli's health since his remand in custody on March 9, 2024.

Medical examinations have reportedly revealed a 23mm TIRADS III nodule in his thyroid gland, indicating a 50–75% risk of cancer. Additionally, he suffers from serious problems with his liver, kidneys, and pancreas, along with calcifications in his prostate gland. According to medical protocol, a thyroid nodule exceeding 15mm may necessitate surgical intervention. The appeal details an increase in acute symptoms, including shortness of breath, continuous headaches, dizziness, and nausea, which his supporters warn pose a "real threat to his life."

The appeal, signed by prominent figures such as journalist Qulu Maharramli, "Constitution" Research Foundation President Alimammad Nuriyev, and "New Generation" Union of Journalists Chairman Arif Aliyev, specifically requests that the President consider legal avenues for Mammadli to undergo a surgical operation at a private clinic. His lawyer noted the difficulty in obtaining recent medical documents related to his condition since June 2024. Mammadli himself expressed the toll his health issues take, stating, "I've calculated that I've spent 72 hours of my time in detention in a 'voronok' (prisoner transport vehicle)," referring to the unconditioned prisoner transport vehicles.

Journalist Farid Ismayilov's health was also a significant concern during the recent court proceedings. His lawyer, Zibeyda Sadigova, emphasized that Ismayilov has undergone seven surgical operations, six of which were for severe lung and heart conditions.

At a previous session on July 14, Ismayilov had requested that the trial continue without his presence, citing his serious health problems and describing the transport to and from court in a "voronok" during hot weather as "torture." His lawyer reiterated that he receives no proper medical treatment in prison, only medications sent from home, which exacerbates his health issues. Medical documents from the Ministry of Justice's Main Medical Department concerning Ismayilov's condition were also presented to the court.

During the July 21 session, motions for the release of both Mammadli and Ismayilov to house arrest were filed. However, Prosecutor Rauf Malishov objected, stating that the grounds for their arrest had not been eliminated. The panel of judges, chaired by Azer Tagiyev, ultimately denied the motions for house arrest. Despite this, the court indicated it would make an inquiry to obtain comprehensive information regarding the health status of both Alasgar Mammadli and Farid Ismayilov.

The criminal case related to "Toplum TV" remains ongoing, with the health and detention conditions of the accused continuing to be a focal point for human rights advocates and the media community.