Six journalists from Meydan TV, an independent media outlet in Azerbaijan, were detained last week. They have been charged with smuggling under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling committed by a group of persons in prior collusion).

On December 8, the Khatai District Court ruled to impose a four-month pretrial detention on journalists Aytac Ahmadova (Tapdig), Aysel Umudova, Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunesh), Natig Javadli, Ramin Jabrayilzadeh (Deko), and Khayala Aghayeva.

A similar decision was made regarding media representative Ulvi Tahirov, who was also detained in connection with the case. Photojournalist Ahmed Mukhtar was accused of minor hooliganism and sentenced to 20 days of administrative detention. The journalists deny these allegations, linking their arrests to their professional activities.

Meydan TV produces professional journalistic content on socioeconomic, political, and cultural topics, including corruption. This includes involving President Ilham Aliyev, his inner circle, and other high-ranking officials. As a result, Meydan TV has experienced severe pressure and persecution throughout its existence.

Since Ilham Aliyev came to power in 2003, succeeding his father, political arrests have intensified, reaching their peak in recent years. Particularly after the Second Karabakh War, critical media outlets and civil society have been subjected to heavy repression.

In the past year alone, more than 20 journalists, including those from Abzas Media and Toplum TV, have been arrested. As a result, Azerbaijan has dropped to 164th place out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders' Press Freedom Index, ranking ahead of only countries like China, North Korea, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan.

During Ilham Aliyev’s 21-year presidency, journalists critical of the government have been killed, blackmailed, or imprisoned on false charges. Law enforcement agencies use their legal powers not against corruption but against independent media.

We believe the charges against Meydan TV are fabricated and baseless. As Abzas Media, we stand in solidarity with Meydan TV and demand the immediate release of our fellow journalists!