The organization believes that the pressure on media in the country makes it impossible for “Toplum TV” to continue its operations within the country.
In a press release, the media organization announced that “Toplum TV” will carry on its operations with journalists living abroad.
The statement reads:
– “Toplum TV” is one of the few independent media organizations in the country. Since its establishment in 2016, the organization has made it its main goal to inform citizens about events happening in the country and around the world, while adhering to journalistic principles. Over this period, it has published thousands of materials and has become an unbiased and impartial source of information for readers. “Toplum TV” reiterates that the accusations are baseless, and the motive behind the pressure is the fact that “Toplum TV,” as an independent media, highlights the problems of citizens and invites people from various groups to its live broadcasts.
Even while operating from abroad, “Toplum TV” will remain committed to upholding impartial, unbiased, and independent journalism as its core principle. During this time, the respect shown by our viewers and colleagues for our work is very valuable to us!
Between March 6-8, 2024, nine employees of Toplum TV and its partner organization, the Democratic Initiatives Institute led by Akif Gurbanov, were arrested. Seven individuals were detained for four months on charges of smuggling, while two others were placed under police control. On January 17, additional charges related to economic crimes were brought against all of them under six more articles of the Criminal Code. Journalist Farid Ismayilov, who had been under police supervision, was also arrested. Last week, Toplum TV’s editor, Shahnaz Baylergizi, was arrested as part of a separate investigation related to the organization’s work.
