Six journalists were arrested in one day in Azerbaijan

At least five journalists of Meydan TV independent media were arrested: Ainur Ganbarova, Aytaj Ahmadova, Khayala Aghaeva, Natig Javadli and Aysel Umudova. According to Azerbaijani sources, the police also detained independent journalist Ramin Jabrailzade, reportedly on suspicion of financial smuggling.

Meydan TV reports that the security forces searched the houses of the arrested media journalists, confiscated their equipment and personal belongings.

No other details were released.

Meydan TV is an independent Azerbaijani media outlet operating since 2013, whose headquarters is located in Berlin. The media outlet is one of the partners of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, OCCRP, which has conducted numerous investigations into suspicious transactions involving representatives of Azerbaijan’s ruling elite.

Another wave of arrests of Azerbaijani journalists is taking place against the background of US Assistant Secretary of State Joshua Haq’s visit to Azerbaijan. Earlier today, the high-ranking American official had a meeting with the relatives of journalists and activists imprisoned months ago, the US Embassy reports.

As of June 2024, there were 303 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, including dozens of journalists. According to Azerbaijani human rights organizations, the number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan has exceeded 300 for the first time since the 2000s.

By Editor

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