This week saw the ongoing court proceedings for journalists arrested in connection with the “Meydan TV case,” Tofig Yagublu’s hunger strike in protest of his sentence, and the European Parliament’s resolution on Armenian prisoners detained in Baku.
Court hearing for journalists arrested in the “Meydan TV case” continues
On March 14, 2025, the Khatai District Court held another session regarding the extension of detention for those arrested in the “Meydan TV case.” The court decided to extend the pre-trial detention for several journalists involved in the case by another three months. Aysel Umudova, Shamsad Aghayev (Agha), Fatima Movlamli, Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunash), Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig), Khayala Aghayeva, Natig Javadli, and Ulvi Tahirov have all seen their detention periods extended under charges related to smuggling.
The court proceedings were held separately for each individual, with some hearings taking place online. This move follows the arrest of the journalists in December 2024 and February 2025 under accusations of smuggling, which they have denied, claiming that the charges are politically motivated and are a direct response to their critical reporting as part of Meydan TV’s independent media operations.
Tofig Yagublu begins hunger strike in protest of unjust sentence
Tofig Yagublu, Photo: Meydan TV
On March 12, 2025, Tofig Yagublu, a leading opposition figure and member of the National Council of Democratic Forces, announced that he would begin a hunger strike on April 1 in protest of the 9-year prison sentence handed down to him by the Baku Serious Crimes Court. Yagublu, who was convicted on charges of fraud, has strongly rejected the accusations, claiming they are fabricated and politically driven. He insists that the verdict was a direct result of an order from President Ilham Aliyev’s administration.
Yagublu’s statement included a powerful declaration: he would continue his hunger strike until his release, even if it resulted in his death. The move has sparked widespread criticism of Azerbaijan’s legal and political environment, particularly concerning the rights of opposition figures. The National Council of Democratic Forces has condemned Yagublu’s imprisonment as part of a broader campaign to suppress political opposition and freedom of speech in Azerbaijan.
European Parliament adopts resolution on Armenian prisoners detained in Baku
On March 13, 2025, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the immediate release of 23 Armenian prisoners detained in Baku. The resolution emphasizes that these individuals, including former officials of the self-declared “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic,” are being subjected to inhumane treatment and unfair trials, with several facing life imprisonment.
European Parliament. Photo: ShutterstockHadrian
The resolution was passed by a wide majority, with 523 votes in favor, 3 against, and 84 abstentions. It calls for the recognition of these prisoners as prisoners of war and urges the Azerbaijani government to ensure their rights, including access to medical care and independent legal representation. The European Parliament also expressed concern over the closure of International Red Cross and UN agency offices in Azerbaijan, which has made it difficult to monitor the detainees’ conditions.
Azerbaijan’s government responded sharply to the resolution, with Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President, accusing the European Parliament of interfering in Azerbaijan’s internal matters. He dismissed the calls for the release of Armenian prisoners, stating that they are facing justice for crimes committed during the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Hajiyev also highlighted ongoing trials of former Nagorno-Karabakh officials, who face serious charges including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
