Journalists in Azerbaijan Sentenced Amidst Allegations of Political Persecution
In a move that has sparked international outrage, a court in Azerbaijan has sentenced nine journalists and founders of a prominent independent news outlet on charges of financial crimes. This verdict has been criticized by global media rights organizations as an attempt to suppress dissenting voices in the oil-rich Caspian Sea nation.
The court in Baku handed a 14-year sentence to Alasgar Mammadli, founder and director of Toplum online TV, a leading independent media platform. Activists Akif Gurbanov and Ruslan Izzetli, co-founders of the outlet, received 15-year sentences. Other journalists and activists linked to Toplum TV also faced prison terms ranging from 12 to 14 years.
The accused were charged with illegally acquiring and utilizing Western donor funds as part of an “organized criminal group,” allegations they have denied. Elchin Sadigov, representing some of the defendants, announced intentions to appeal, stating, “This is an unlawful and politically motivated court ruling that is linked to their journalistic activities,” emphasizing that no defense motions were accepted by the court.
Under the administration of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has seen a significant crackdown on dissent. Human rights groups have noted that restrictive laws have been employed to silence critical voices, including journalists, activists, and independent political figures.
Toplum TV, recognized for its investigative reporting on corruption and social issues, was among the few remaining independent media outlets in the country of approximately 10 million people. In March 2024, its offices were raided by police, resulting in the arrest of several staff members.
The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) condemned what they described as “extremely harsh prison sentences” for those associated with Toplum TV. They stated that the court’s decision underscored the political nature of the trial and the authorities’ intent to intimidate and suppress journalists fulfilling their professional duties.
Anthony Bellanger, the IFJ general secretary, criticized the verdict, labeling it as “pure and simple government repression and intimidation.” Reporters Without Borders (RSF) echoed these sentiments, denouncing the trial as fraudulent and illustrating the intensifying crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan. RSF called for the immediate release of those convicted, declaring that the Azerbaijani justice system is being manipulated to silence independent media under President Aliyev’s rule.
Aliyev, who has been in power since 2003 following his father’s tenure, secured another term in 2024 with 92% of the vote. This election, criticized by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for its restrictive environment and lack of genuine political competition, followed Azerbaijan’s successful reclaiming of the Karabakh region from ethnic Armenian control.
