Journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva), who is imprisoned in connection with the “Meydan TV case,” has been named a finalist for the 2025 Free Press Awards by the organization Free Press Unlimited.
The organization stated that Ulviyya Ali has been nominated in the category of “Most Resilient Journalist.”
They also praised her work, highlighting that during her career, she covered court cases, human rights violations, and produced documentary films.
In addition, the organization shared Ulviyya Ali’s thoughts about her nomination on its platform:
“I have been working in journalism for years, and for the past eight months, I have continued this mission from prison. I am now convinced that serving humanity is more important than physical freedom. If isolated prisoners still want me to raise their voices, even considering stopping journalism would be an injustice to them.”
Another nominee in this category is Lebanese photojournalist Kristina Assi, who was seriously injured during an attack on journalists at the Lebanon–Israel border in 2023 and lost her right leg. Kristina Assi is recognized as a symbol of the fight against impunity for crimes committed against journalists.
The winners of the Free Press Awards 2025 will be announced on February 3 at the Free Press Live event, held at the Nieuwspoort center in The Hague, Netherlands.
Journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva) was arrested on May 7 in connection with the criminal case related to Meydan TV.
She was initially charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling, committed by a group acting in concert).
On August 28, 2025, the charges in the “Meydan TV case” were intensified.
