The international human rights organization “Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights” (RWCHR) has expressed concern over the health condition of imprisoned Meydan TV journalist Aytaj Tapdig.
In a statement released on September 25, the organization called on the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure that the journalist undergoes specialized medical examination and treatment, as well as to release her.
According to the RWCHR, Aytaj Tapdig suffers from a deviated septum and associated chronic breathing issues. Citing Azerbaijani media, the organization states that the journalist’s condition has deteriorated during her detention. It is noted that she has not been permitted to be examined by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist or to undergo MRI and CT scans.
The statement also notes that Aytaj Tapdig has used more than 80 nasal sprays to breathe while in custody. The RWCHR mentions that high humidity in the location of the detention facility could further aggravate her respiratory problems.
Earlier, Human Rights Watch also stated—based on information from Aytaj Tapdig’s family and lawyer—that the journalist was not being provided with access to specialized medical examinations. HRW’s August 20 report noted that requests regarding MRI and CT scans remained unanswered.
According to the RWCHR, after the issue was brought to the attention of international human rights organizations, Aytaj Tapdig was examined by a doctor at the detention center on August 19. According to the journalist, that doctor was not an ENT specialist.
The organization notes that the Azerbaijani side subsequently announced that the journalist had received medical care. The RWCHR, however, stated that this was insufficient and demanded that Aytaj Tapdig be examined by a specialist doctor and undergo the necessary MRI and CT scans.
The statement also emphasizes that Aytaj Tapdig is one of several female journalists who reported facing physical and psychological abuse, as well as gender-based and sexual threats during their detention.
The RWCHR links the journalist’s imprisonment to her journalistic activities and calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to drop the charges brought against Aytaj Tapdig and other journalists and to release them.
“Journalism is not a crime. No journalist should be imprisoned for work done in the public interest,” the organization’s statement reads.
Aytaj Tapdig was detained on December 6, 2024, as part of the “Meydan TV case.” A total of 12 people have been brought to criminal liability in connection with the case. Initially, they were charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code—smuggling committed by a group of persons acting in prior agreement. On August 28, 2025, the charges were escalated.
They are currently standing trial under several charges, including illegal entrepreneurship, smuggling, tax evasion, document forgery, and money laundering (legalization of criminally obtained property). The journalists deny the charges, linking their arrests to their professional activities and critical journalism.
