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May 14, 2026 – Turkey –
Reports from human rights and media monitoring outlets highlight allegations of mistreatment against journalist Nurlan Libre (Nurlan Gahramanli), who remains in pretrial detention in Azerbaijan in connection with the ongoing “Meydan TV case.” The case, which has led to multiple arrests of journalists and media workers, has drawn continued criticism from press freedom advocates who argue the charges are linked to independent reporting rather than criminal activity.
According to the reports, Libre was detained in February 2025 and later placed in extended pretrial detention under charges related to alleged smuggling as part of a group conspiracy. Authorities have repeatedly extended his detention while the investigation continues, a development that defense teams have challenged, arguing there is insufficient evidence to justify continued incarceration.
The journalist has also alleged that he was subjected to physical violence while in custody. He claims that during court-related transfers and detention procedures, he was restrained and mistreated by officers, including being tied and held forcefully in stressful conditions. These allegations have been raised through legal complaints and public statements from his family, though authorities have reportedly not substantiated claims of unlawful conduct.
Libre has further stated that he began a prolonged hunger strike in protest against what he describes as abusive treatment and lack of adequate medical care in detention. Reports indicate that his health has deteriorated significantly during this period, with family members expressing concern over weight loss, weakness, and limited medical supervision while in custody.
The Meydan TV case itself involves multiple journalists and media workers who have been detained under similar accusations, with critics arguing that the broader crackdown reflects pressure on independent journalism in the country. Several defendants maintain that they are being targeted for their professional work, particularly reporting on sensitive political and corruption-related issues.
Human rights organizations and press freedom groups continue to call for transparency in the case, improved detention conditions, and the release of journalists they consider to be held for their reporting activities. The situation has become part of a wider international discussion on media freedom and the treatment of journalists in politically sensitive investigations.
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