Azerbaijani authorities continued their campaign against independent media by detaining photo‑reporter Ahmed Mukhtar, a long‑standing contributor to outlets such as Meydan TV. Mukhtar was arrested alongside several Meydan TV journalists on December 6, charged under Articles 510 (“petty hooliganism”) and 535.1 (“failure to obey police orders”) of the administrative offenses code. On December 8, he was sentenced to 20 days’ administrative detention.
Mukhtar’s arrest occurred amid broader trials targeting Meydan TV contributors accused of supposedly “smuggling foreign currency.” While those colleagues have faced criminal charges and pre‑trial detention, Mukhtar received a lesser administrative sentence, still signaling the authorities’ intent to intimidate independent journalists through punitive means.
According to IRFS, Mukhtar was among at least one other photo‑journalist and several supporters—including an animal rights activist and a sports reporter—temporarily detained alongside the Meydan TV staff. Some detainees reported beatings and torture at the point of arrest, suggesting aggressive tactics were used to suppress reporting and protest.
Earlier in 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders condemned this expanded crackdown, warning that Baku’s smuggling charges against Meydan TV personnel represent another step in an escalating effort to stifle press freedom during the post‑COP29 climate of repression.
Mukhtar is no stranger to state pressure. He was previously detained in 2015 alongside other freelance journalists, reflecting a persistent pattern: Azerbaijani authorities frequently target photojournalists for documenting sensitive events like human rights abuses or protests.
While Mukhtar’s administrative sentence is shorter than criminal detention, his case highlights a key trend: Azerbaijan continues to weaponize even minor infractions to silence media critics. The international community—led by IRFS, CPJ, and RSF—has called for Mukhtar’s immediate release, an end to politically motivated detentions, and respect for freedom of expression.
