Amnesty Sounds Alarm on Health of Jailed Azerbaijani Journalists in Meydan TV Case

February 02, 2026 – Azerbaijan –

Amnesty International has launched a global appeal urging Azerbaijani authorities to free 12 journalists and media workers imprisoned in connection with the crackdown on independent media linked to Meydan TV and affiliated outlets, warning that several detainees are in rapidly deteriorating health and facing harsh prison conditions. The human rights group’s statement, issued in late January 2026, stresses that these journalists were arbitrarily detained on politically motivated charges and are being denied necessary medical care.

According to Amnesty’s urgent action update, at least three of the detained journalists—Shamshad Agha, Aynur Elgunash, and Ulviyya Guliyeva—have serious medical needs that are not being met in detention. Agha is reported to suffer from a gastric ulcer, Elgunash requires physiotherapy following major surgery, and Guliyeva needs regular chronic-illness medication. Amnesty notes that overall prison conditions, including overcrowding, psychological pressure, and instances of harassment, may amount to ill-treatment and violate basic human rights norms.

The 12 journalists were first arrested between December 2024 and August 2025 under criminal charges widely criticised as fabricated and aimed at silencing dissenting voices. Prosecutors allege financial violations, including smuggling and related crimes; however, rights groups assert that restrictive funding regulations in Azerbaijan make legal compliance nearly impossible for independent media, effectively criminalising their operations.

Amnesty’s letter, addressed to President Ilham Aliyev, calls for an immediate end to arbitrary detention and persecution of journalists, full access to proper medical treatment for those at risk, and thorough investigations into reports of torture and other mistreatment of detainees. The organisation also demands that all charges be dropped and that journalists be freed without delay, citing international human rights obligations and the essential role of independent journalism.

The detained journalists include Meydan TV staff and associates such as Ramin Deko, Aytaj Ahmadova, Aysel Umudova, Natig Javadli, Khayala Agayeva, and others who deny any wrongdoing and maintain their arrests were ordered in retaliation for critical reporting. Several have also reported incidents of harassment and physical violence while in custody.

Amnesty’s campaign highlights a broader pattern of repression against independent media in Azerbaijan, where nearly 30 journalists and media workers have been detained in recent years as part of an ongoing effort to restrict independent reporting. The organisation has mobilised supporters worldwide to write to Azerbaijani authorities by May 31, 2026, to press for immediate action on these human rights concerns.

Reference –

https://amnesty.ca/urgent-actions/azerbaijan-jailed-journalists-in-dire-health/

Amnesty urges release of jailed Azerbaijani journalists amid health concerns

Amnesty International urges Azerbaijan to release 12 detained Meydan TV journalists