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May 02, 2026 – Azerbaijan –
Detained journalists linked to Meydan TV staged a protest inside a Baku courtroom ahead of World Press Freedom Day, drawing renewed attention to the country’s ongoing crackdown on independent media and the conditions faced by imprisoned reporters.
The protest took place during a scheduled hearing at the Baku Court for Serious Crimes in early May 2026. According to reports, the session was ultimately postponed, but before proceedings concluded, the accused journalists used the courtroom as a platform to demonstrate against their detention and to highlight restrictions on press freedom.
The case, widely known as the “Meydan TV case,” dates back to December 2024, when several journalists affiliated with the outlet were arrested and charged under smuggling-related provisions of Azerbaijan’s criminal code. Additional arrests followed in subsequent months, expanding the case to include more than ten journalists. Those detained have consistently denied the charges, arguing that the case is directly linked to their reporting activities.
During the courtroom protest, journalists held placards and chanted slogans emphasizing freedom of expression and the role of journalism. Messages included statements such as “Journalism is not a crime” and “Freedom is the main artery of the press,” reflecting their position that the charges against them are politically motivated.
The protest was deliberately timed to coincide with World Press Freedom Day on May 3, underscoring what the journalists described as the contradiction between global commitments to media freedom and their continued imprisonment. Some participants held signs asserting that although they were physically detained, their work and voices remained free.
Legal proceedings in the case have been marked by delays and procedural disputes. At the latest hearing, one defense-related motion was accepted, but the session was adjourned shortly afterward, with the next court date scheduled later in May.
Press freedom groups and human rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about the broader context of the case, describing it as part of a sustained campaign against independent media in Azerbaijan. The targeting of Meydan TV, known for its reporting on corruption and human rights issues, has been cited as emblematic of increasing pressure on journalists operating in the country.
The courtroom protest highlights the extent to which detained journalists are continuing to challenge their prosecution, even within judicial proceedings, while also reinforcing concerns that legal frameworks are being used to suppress critical reporting.
The case remains ongoing, with the outcome expected to carry broader implications for press freedom and the treatment of independent journalists in Azerbaijan.
Reference –
Azerbaijani Meydan TV journalists stage protest in a courtroom on World Press Freedom Day
