Committee to Protect Journalists Issues Statement Regarding “Toplum TV”

Photo : Toplum TV

CPJ condemns the worsening charges against imprisoned journalists and the arrest of Farid Ismayilov

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued a statement condemning the worsening charges against journalists from “Toplum TV,” including the arrest of reporter Farid Ismayilov. CPJ highlighted that the new charges are a stark example of unprecedented repression against the media by Azerbaijani authorities, noting that Ismayilov, who is facing serious health issues, is being held in detention under concerning conditions. CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator, Gulnoza Said, called for the immediate release of Ismayilov and all Azerbaijani journalists imprisoned unjustly. The Committee’s annual monitoring also revealed that Azerbaijan has joined the list of the top ten countries with the highest number of imprisoned journalists in 2024.

The Committee has also highlighted cases where Azerbaijani journalists have been prohibited from leaving the country. On January 11, 2025, journalist Khanim Mustafayeva was not allowed to travel abroad at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, and on January 16, 2025, Ulviyya Ali (Quliyeva), a reporter for “Voice of America,” was summoned by the police for questioning and also prohibited from leaving the country.

On March 6, 2023, the police conducted a search at the editorial office of “Toplum” internet TV and the office of the Democratic Initiatives Institute, sealing the door. As a result of this criminal case, nine individuals were brought to criminal responsibility, with seven of them remanded in custody, while two—Farid Ismayilov and Elmir Abbasov—were allowed to remain free during the investigation. The detained individuals include the founder of “Toplum TV” and media law expert Alasgar Mammadli, the head of the Democratic Initiatives Institute and speaker of the III Republic Platform Akif Qurbanov, founding team member Ruslan Izzatli, video editor of “Toplum TV” Mushfiq Cabbar, and employees of the Democratic Initiatives Institute, Ali Zeynal, Ramil Babayev, and Ilkin Amrahov.

The individuals are facing charges under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling – when committed by a group of individuals acting in concert). It is claimed that during the search, a large amount of foreign currency was found in the office and the homes of the accused. However, the accused maintain that these charges are fabricated, asserting that the money was planted by the police during the search and later seized. They believe they were arrested on political orders with the intent to silence independent media and free voices in the country. On January 17, 2025, the investigation into the “Toplum TV case” was concluded, with the charges aggravated and new allegations brought against the accused under Articles 162-1.1 (engaging someone in work without a labor contract), 192.3.2 (illegal entrepreneurship, particularly when committed with significant income), 193-1.3.1 (money laundering through criminal means, when committed by a criminal group or organization), 193-1.3.2 (the same actions, when committed with significant sums), 206.4 (smuggling, committed by an organized group), and 213.2.1 (tax evasion, committed by an organized group).

Regarding the “Toplum TV case,” journalist Farid Ismayilov, who had been placed under police supervision by a court decision, was arrested on January 17. Since November 2023, more than 30 journalists and bloggers have been imprisoned in the country, most of whom have been charged with smuggling. The majority of those detained are employees of “Meydan TV,” “AbzasMedia,” and “Toplum TV.” The journalists claim they are being punished for their investigations into corruption by the president and other officials, as well as other illegal activities.

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