This week saw the suspension of Turan Information Agency’s activities due to financial difficulties, the rejection of Shahnaz Baylargizi’s appeal, and the denial of Ramin Deko’s house arrest request.
“Turan” Information Agency Suspends Operations Amid Financial Struggles
The “Turan” Information Agency, one of Azerbaijan’s oldest independent media outlets, announced the suspension of its activities due to ongoing financial difficulties. Mehman Aliyev, the agency’s director, explained that despite 30 years of providing objective news, the financial struggles that have plagued the agency for years had become insurmountable. Established in 1990, “Turan” has been a cornerstone of independent journalism in Azerbaijan, covering everything from politics to culture. While the agency paused its operations in its current format, Aliyev emphasized that it was not the end, but a new stage of development. The team plans to adapt to the rapidly changing media environment and explore new ways to continue offering insightful analyses of global, regional, and national issues.
The agency’s recent troubles included a controversial article on the Azerbaijani President’s aircraft encountering GPS issues, which was later retracted. Additionally, there were reports about staff reductions in other foreign outlets such as “Sputnik” and “BBC” in Azerbaijan, signaling a broader trend of media contraction.
Shahnaz Baylargizi’s Appeal Rejected by Court
In a setback for press freedom, the Baku Court of Appeal rejected the appeal of journalist Shahnaz Baylargizi, a reporter for Toplum TV, who was arrested on February 5, 2025. Baylargizi, arrested as part of the “Toplum TV case,” was denied house arrest despite her serious health issues. Her lawyer and human rights groups expressed concern for her well-being, given her deteriorating health and the lengthy detention.
Baylargizi’s case is part of a broader crackdown on independent media and political activists in Azerbaijan, with more than 30 individuals arrested since late 2023 under charges related to smuggling and political opposition. Many believe these arrests are politically motivated, with charges often linked to professional activities or political dissent.
Ramin Deko’s Request for House Arrest Denied
Another blow to independent media came on February 12, 2025, when the Baku Court of Appeal rejected journalist Ramin Deko’s appeal to change his house arrest to detention. Deko, who was arrested in connection with the “Meydan TV case” in December 2024, maintains that he was detained due to his journalistic activities. He and several other Meydan TV journalists have faced charges under Article 206.3.2 (smuggling by a group) while reporting on corruption and government misconduct in Azerbaijan.
Meydan TV, which has long been a target of government harassment, has seen its journalists subjected to arrests, detention, and even cyberattacks. Despite the pressure, the organization continues its commitment to covering political and social issues in Azerbaijan. However, the increasing arrests and legal battles signal growing challenges for media outlets critical of the government.
