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May 27, 2025 – Azerbaijan –
Ulviyya Ali (also known as Ulviyya Guliyeva) is an Azerbaijani journalist and human rights activist who was arrested on May 7, 2025, in connection with the “Meydan TV case.” She was charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, which pertains to smuggling committed by a group of persons acting in concert. Ali has denied any affiliation with Meydan TV and asserts that her detention is solely due to her journalistic activities.
Before her arrest, Ali had been reporting on human rights issues for Voice of America (VOA) in Azerbaijan. In January 2025, she was summoned for questioning related to the Meydan TV case and subsequently faced a travel ban. Despite these challenges, she continued her journalistic work independently, sharing reports on social media platforms.
Following her arrest, Ali reported experiencing physical abuse during detention, including beatings and threats. She has a pre-existing medical condition—a microadenoma diagnosed in 2017—and has expressed concerns that the mistreatment has exacerbated her health issues, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision. Despite her requests, she has not received a comprehensive medical examination.
Ali’s arrest has drawn condemnation from various local and international human rights organizations, including the International Federation of Journalists, the European Federation of Journalists, the Human Rights House Foundation, and the Committee to Protect Journalists. These organizations have called for her immediate and unconditional release, citing concerns over press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Azerbaijan.
Reference –
Jailed Azerbaijani journalist: “I suspect violence caused more serious harm to my health”
