"Toplum TV" has announced that it will continue its operations from abroad. This decision was stated in a declaration issued by the media organization.

The organization justified this move by citing increasing pressure on the media and the arrests of journalists in the country.

Statement from "Toplum TV":

"Toplum TV" is one of the few independent media outlets in the country.

Since its establishment in 2016, the organization has upheld journalistic principles, setting its primary goal as informing citizens about events happening both within the country and around the world.

Over this period, it has published thousands of materials, becoming a reliable source of impartial and unbiased information for its readers.

In the past year and a half, the increasing pressure on the media has not spared "Toplum TV." The organization's founder and several employees have been arrested, criminal cases have been initiated against them on "smuggling" charges, and travel bans have been imposed on others.

"Toplum TV" once again declares that these accusations are baseless, and the real motive behind the pressure is the organization's commitment to independent journalism, shedding light on citizens' issues, and inviting individuals from various groups to participate in its live broadcasts.

Unfortunately, the growing pressure on the media in the country has made it impossible for "Toplum TV" to continue operating domestically.

For this reason, "Toplum TV" will carry out its future activities through journalists based abroad.

We hope that our readers will understand this decision.

Despite operating from abroad, "Toplum TV" will continue to uphold impartial, unbiased, and independent journalism as its highest value, just as it always has.

During this period, the support and appreciation from our audience and colleagues are incredibly valuable to us!"

On March 6 last year, police carried out an operation in Baku targeting the independent online television outlet “Toplum TV.”

During the operations, more than ten individuals were detained. While most were released, Akif Gurbanov, Mushvig Jabbarov, Ali Zeynalov, Ilkin Amrakhov, and Ramil Babayev were criminally charged and placed under pre-trial detention. Farid Ismayilov and Elmir Abbasov were also charged but were placed under police supervision.

A criminal case was opened under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling committed by a group of persons in prior collusion).

On March 8, “Toplum TV” founder Alasgar Mammadli and Third Republic Platform founding member Ruslan Izzetli were also detained and charged under the same case. They were later placed under pre-trial detention as well.

Their detention periods have been repeatedly extended.

On January 17 of this year, new, more severe charges were brought against those accused in the “Toplum TV” case. That same day, journalist Farid Ismayilov was arrested. A pre-trial detention measure of 2 months and 20 days was imposed on him.

On February 5, media organization employee Shahnaz Baylargizi was also arrested. A pre-trial detention measure of 3 months and 15 days was imposed on her.

At a hearing held on February 6 in Khatai District Court, investigator Alibala Hajiyev stated that a new criminal case had been opened in connection with this matter and that the journalist could influence other members of the alleged organized group. For this reason, he argued that she should remain in custody.

“Toplum TV” issued a statement asserting that the events were directly related to their professional activities and labeled the case as an attack on independent media.

Many local and international organizations have recognized those arrested in this case as political prisoners and have called on the government to release them immediately.