Azerbaijan’s Media Crackdown Intensifies with Two More Journalists Arrested

May 07, 2025 – Azerbaijan – 

In early May 2025, Azerbaijani authorities arrested two independent journalists, Ulviyya Ali and Ahmad Mammadli, escalating the ongoing suppression of press freedom in the country. These arrests bring the total number of detained journalists to at least 25 since late 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Ulviyya Ali, a contributor to Voice of America, was detained at her residence and remanded to nearly two months of pre-trial detention. Authorities allege her involvement in a currency smuggling case linked to Meydan TV, a Germany-based independent outlet. However, Meydan TV has stated that Ali has no affiliation with them. Before her arrest, Ali authored a letter asserting her innocence and emphasizing that journalism is not a crime.

Ahmad Mammadli, a civil rights activist turned journalist, was also detained. Reports indicate that he was subjected to physical abuse during his arrest, including bruises and electroshock torture. Mammadli is known for his coverage of labor and human rights issues in Azerbaijan.

These arrests are part of a broader crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan. Journalists from outlets such as Abzas Media and Meydan TV have been targeted, often charged with offenses like currency smuggling and illegal entrepreneurship. Media watchdogs argue that these charges are politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissenting voices.

International organizations, including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), have condemned Azerbaijan’s actions, calling for the immediate release of detained journalists and an end to the repression of independent media.IFJ

The Azerbaijani government maintains that it upholds press freedom. Still, the increasing number of journalist arrests and the suspension of foreign media operations, such as the BBC’s Azerbaijani service, suggest otherwise. The international community continues to monitor the situation, urging Azerbaijan to respect freedom of expression and the rights of journalists.

Reference – 

https://www.occrp.org/en/news/azerbaijan-widens-media-crackdown-with-two-arrests

Azerbaijan arrests two more journalists, increasing crackdown tally to 25

https://oc-media.org/two-more-azerbaijani-journalists-detained-as-media-crackdown-continues/