Azerbaijani Authorities File New Charges Against Toplum TV Journalists, Arrest Another Reporter

January 21, 2025 -Azerbaijan – 

Azerbaijani authorities filed six additional charges against four journalists from the independent media outlet Toplum TV and arrested another reporter, Farid Ismayilov, as part of an escalating crackdown on press freedom. The new charges increase the possible prison terms from a maximum of eight years to 12 years. The charges, reportedly related to financial crimes such as currency smuggling, are viewed by media rights groups as politically motivated.

Farid Ismayilov, who had previously been targeted during a March 2024 raid on Toplum TV, was again arrested despite having serious health conditions. He has been placed in pretrial detention, sparking renewed condemnation from press freedom organizations.

The case against Toplum TV is part of a broader repression campaign against independent media in Azerbaijan. Since March 2024, police have raided several outlets—including Abzas Media and Meydan TV—detaining more than 20 journalists under similar allegations. Independent and foreign media, such as the BBC, Bloomberg, and Voice of America, have also faced restrictions, with authorities citing financial misconduct as justification.

Media watchdogs, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders, and Amnesty International, have strongly criticized the Azerbaijani government’s actions, describing them as an attempt to silence dissent and independent journalism ahead of the country’s hosting of the UN climate summit, COP29, in November 2025.

CPJ specifically condemned the arrest of Ismayilov, citing his poor health and the politically charged nature of the case. They called on Azerbaijani authorities to drop all charges and release the detained journalists immediately. International rights groups argue that Azerbaijan is weaponizing financial laws to crush independent voices, undermining democratic accountability.

With COP29 approaching, activists have urged global leaders to pressure Azerbaijan on its human rights record, warning that the crackdown on journalists sends a dangerous message about press freedom under President Ilham Aliyev’s regime. The situation remains tense as the number of imprisoned journalists continues to rise.

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Azerbaijani authorities bring new charges against Toplum TV, arrest another journalist