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February 24, 2025 – Azerbaijan –
Azerbaijani journalist Nurlan Libre was arrested in connection with the ongoing “Meydan TV case,” marking another development in a harsh crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan. Libre, the founder of Portagal Media and known for his critical reporting, was detained in Baku and charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, accused of smuggling committed by a group acting together. His home in Sumgayit was searched, and authorities confiscated his phones and computers. Shortly after, a Baku court ordered his pretrial detention for over a month, with reports noting that Libre’s legal counsel was not present during the hearing, raising concerns about a fair legal process.
Libre’s arrest is part of a wider campaign targeting journalists connected to Meydan TV, an independent media outlet based in Berlin that often covers Azerbaijani issues critically. Since December 2024, at least eight journalists linked to Meydan TV, including Ramin Jabrailzada, Aynur Ganbarova, and Aytaj Ahmadova, have faced similar charges. All have denied the accusations, stating the charges are politically motivated and meant to suppress free speech and independent journalism.
International press freedom organizations have strongly condemned these actions. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described the arrests as part of an unprecedented media crackdown in Azerbaijan. CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia coordinator, Gulnoza Said, emphasized that these detentions represent a clear attempt by Azerbaijani authorities to silence dissenting voices and undermine independent media outlets. She called for the immediate release of all journalists detained under retaliatory and fabricated charges.
Human rights groups and international observers have widely criticized Azerbaijan’s government for targeting journalists under the guise of legal proceedings. These arrests are seen as a direct assault on press freedom and a dangerous signal that independent media faces increasing repression in the country. The Meydan TV case exemplifies the deteriorating environment for journalists in Azerbaijan, where critical reporting is met with intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and legal persecution, undermining the public’s right to information and freedom of expression.
Reference –
Azerbaijan: IPI condemns latest arrest of journalist, suspension of BBC and VoA operations
