Akif Gurbanov: “If I am the leader of this ‘organized group,’ release the others and keep me in detention.”
The trial of journalists accused in the “Toplum TV case” has begun.
On April 2, 2025, a court hearing took place for journalists charged in the case, including Alasgar Mammadli, Akif Gurbanov, Ramil Babayev, Ali Zeynalov, Mushfig Jabbarov, Ilkin Amrahov, and Ruslan Izzatli.
During the preliminary hearing of the Baku Serious Crimes Court, chaired by Judge Azar Taghiyev, the personal data of the accused were verified. Subsequently, requests were made for some of the accused to be released into house arrest. It was stated that the request regarding Alasgar Mammadli’s health condition would be considered. However, the court rejected the other requests.
Akif Gurbanov asked for the release of the other individuals, requesting that he alone remain in custody. “If I am the leader of this ‘organized group,’ release the others and keep me in detention,” he said. Akif Gurbanov’s new lawyer, Fuad Aghayev, requested more time from the court to review the criminal case documents.
The court’s preliminary hearing has been postponed to April 24.
On March 6, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted searches at the offices of “Toplum TV,” the “Democratic Initiatives Institute,” and the “Third Republic Platform,” as well as in the homes of several employees.
Criminal cases were opened against “Toplum TV” employees Farid Ismayilov, Elmir Abbasov, Mushfig Jabbarov, and the head of the IDI, as well as the spokesperson of ResPlatform, Akif Gurbanov, and others, including Ali Zeynalov, Ramil Babayev, and Ilkin Amrahov, on charges of smuggling and they have been placed under arrest.
On March 8, 2024, Ruslan Izzatli, a member of the founding team of the “III Republic Platform,” and Alasgar Mammadli, a co-founder of “Toplum TV,” were also arrested on the same charges.
A total of nine people have been held criminally responsible in this case.
Of them, seven individuals were placed under arrest, while two (Farid Ismayilov and Elmir Abbasov) were allowed to remain free during the investigation.
They were charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling—committed by a group of people acting in concert).
They claim they were arrested based on political orders, with the aim of silencing independent media and free voices in the country.
On January 17, 2025, the investigation into the “Toplum TV case” was completed.
The charges in the case were aggravated, and new charges were brought against the accused under Articles 162-1.1 (engagement without an employment contract), 192.3.2 (illegal entrepreneurship, particularly when committed with large-scale profits), 193-1.3.1 (money laundering obtained through criminal means, committed by an organized group or criminal organization), 193-1.3.2 (the same acts, committed in large amounts), 206.4 (smuggling committed by an organized group), and 213.2.1 (tax evasion committed by an organized group).
In connection with the “Toplum TV case,” journalist Farid Ismayilov, who had been placed under police supervision, was arrested on the same day—January 17.
On February 5, 2025, journalist Shahnaz Baylargizi (Huseynova) was detained as a suspect in connection with the charges in the “Toplum TV case.” On February 6, the Khatai District Court decided to place her under arrest for 3 months and 15 days. On February 26, the court replaced her arrest with house arrest.
Due to the increasing pressure, “Toplum TV” decided to carry out its activities through journalists residing abroad starting in February, as it became impossible for the media outlet to continue operating in the country.
Since November 2023, around 30 journalists have been arrested in the country.
They have been charged with smuggling.
Most of those arrested are employees of “Meydan TV,” “AbzasMedia,” and “Toplum TV.”
The journalists maintain that they are innocent and claim they have been punished for their investigations into the corrupt actions of the president and other officials, as well as other illegal activities.
