Journalist Fatima Movlamli Detained in Connection with Meydan TV Case
Journalist Fatima Movlamli has been detained, reportedly in connection with the case linked to Meydan TV. The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the arrest through its Press Service, and it is expected that she will soon be brought to court.
This arrest comes after a series of detentions involving Meydan TV employees and others associated with Meydan TV. On December 6, 2024, six staff members of Meydan TV, including Ramin Deko (Jabrayilzadeh), Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunash), Aysel Umudova, Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig), Khayala Aghayeva, and Natig Javadli, were detained on charges of smuggling under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code, which applies when the offense is committed by a group acting in concert. During the investigation, the authorities imposed a 4-month detention on these individuals.
In addition to the Meydan TV employees, Ulvi Tahirov, a civil society member with no affiliation to Meydan TV, was detained on the same day and also faced a 4-month detention under the same charges.
Further arrests followed, with Shamshad Aghayev (Agha), editor-in-chief of Argument.az and a journalist collaborating with Meydan TV, detained on February 5. A 2-month and 1-day detention was imposed on him. On February 20, journalist Nurlan Libre (Gahramanli) was also arrested in connection with the case, with the court ordering a detention of 1 month and 17 days.
Searches were carried out at the homes of the detained individuals, and their phones, computers, and other personal items were seized by authorities. The detained journalists maintain their innocence, claiming that they are being punished for their journalistic work related to Meydan TV.
Currently, there are approximately 30 journalists and public activists in detention under similar charges. These individuals reject the accusations against them, asserting that their arrests are directly tied to their professional roles. However, government officials continue to deny that these arrests are politically motivated.
International human rights organizations, along with Western officials, have called on the government to release those detained unjustly, highlighting concerns about the increasing suppression of free expression and critical journalism in the country.
