Аmnesty urges Aliyev to free jailed journalists

PanARMENIAN.Net - Human rights organization Amnesty International has launched an international campaign aimed at securing the release of journalists detained in Azerbaijan in connection with the Meydan TV case. The organization calls on citizens to appeal to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to request the journalists’ release, reports Factor.am .

In a petition template prepared by the organization, it is noted that 12 individuals have been arrested within the framework of the case, at least three of whom urgently require medical assistance.

“The criminal prosecution of journalists is politically motivated and part of the government’s ongoing pressure on independent media. We call for immediate action to end their arbitrary detention and persecution and express deep concern over the deterioration of the health of at least three individuals who have been denied necessary medical care.

The lack of adequate medical assistance and the conditions in which the 12 journalists are being held, including cell overcrowding, sexual harassment and threats, as well as psychological pressure, may amount to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and violate Azerbaijan’s human rights obligations,” the appeal states.

Amnesty International specifically emphasized that Meydan TV editor-in-chief Aynur Elgunesh, journalists Shamshad Aghan and Ulviya Ali urgently need medical treatment.

On December 6, 2024, Meydan TV’s Azerbaijan bureau head Aynur Elgunesh, journalists Ramin Deko (Jabrayilzade), Aysel Umudova, Aytaj Tapdig, Khayala Aghayeva, Natig Javadli, and civil society member Ulvi Tahirov were detained in connection with the Meydan TV case.

Later, within the same case, Argument.az editor-in-chief and journalist Shamshad Aghan, journalists Nurlan Libren, Fatima Movlamli, Ulviya Ali (Guliyeva), and photographer Ahmed Mukhtar were also arrested.

All of them face multiple charges, primarily related to smuggling. None of the detained journalists admits guilt. They state that they were arrested on political orders by the authorities for their journalistic activities.