Azerbaijan's Toplum TV Case and Political Arrests: A Look

The Toplum TV case, involving the arrests of Toplum TV employees and the Institute of Democratic Initiatives (IDI), is ongoing in the Baku Court of Grave Crimes. The latest hearing happened on December 1, with Judge Azer Tagiyev presiding.

The trial was marked by tense moments. The defense challenged witness statements, and one defendant claimed the proceedings were a show with a pre-determined outcome.

Court Proceedings and Defense Claims

The defense pointed out what they saw as inconsistencies in witness accounts, suggesting law enforcement had pressured them. Their claims centered on these points:

• Witness Ali Fatullayev, who attended IDI trainings, appeared to have given forced testimony. He initially told investigators he knew nothing about IDI's funding. In a second statement, he said the organization was funded by grants. He said his phone would only be returned if he made the second statement, which the defense called police pressure.

• The defense disputed statements from witness Nigar Najafova, which implicated Ramil Babayev (an IDI employee). They denied Najafova's claim that Toplum TV and IDI were funded by grants. They also said her initial statement contained details about the accused's personal lives. The defense suggested investigators had fabricated parts of the official record. They also said Najafova wasn't invited by police, but that a raid occurred and everyone present was forcibly taken into custody.

• Toplum TV employee Farid Ismayilov asked that the state prosecutor be removed. He wanted Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev to be summoned instead, but the court denied both requests.

• Judge Tagiyev criticized Ruslan Izzatli (a III Republic Platform founder) and Ali Zeynal for laughing, calling it disrespectful. Izzatli responded by questioning the fairness of the court, saying the decision had already been made.

Another witness, Ramin Aliyev, an IDI training participant, said the sessions were useful—teaching about democratic institutions and project writing. Still, he denied receiving payment or knowing anything about the institute's finances.

The Charges and Those Accused

The Toplum TV case involves criminal charges against 10 people. Those arrested include Akif Gurbanov and Ruslan Izzatli from the III Republic Platform; Alasgar Mammadli, Mushfig Jabbar, and Farid Ismayilov from Toplum TV; and IDI employees Ali Zeynal, Ilkin Amrahov, and Ramil Babayev. Journalist Elmir Abbasov and Toplum TV editor Shahnaz Baylarqizi are under police supervision. The accused were initially charged with smuggling, but the charges are now more serious. All defendants deny the accusations, claiming their arrests are politically motivated. The next hearing is set for December 8.

Ruslan Izzatli's Statement on State Propaganda

From prison, Ruslan Izzatli commented on the arrests of political figures, including Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) Chairman Ali Karimli.

Izzatli dismissed government stories that link arrests to outside plots. He mentioned the claims that religious arrests are tied to Iran, arrests of pro-democracy figures are linked to the West, and the case against Ramiz Mehdiyev involves Russia.

Izzatli said the government is creating fear and suppressing society through repeated propaganda. He added that this serves to enrich a small group while harming the country. He urged the government to consider the country's interests, not just political ones.

Related Political Arrest: Ali Karimli

On December 1, APFP Chairman Ali Karimli was detained for 2 months and 15 days. He was charged under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code (actions aimed at seizing power or changing the constitutional order by force). He was detained, and his home was searched for over six hours by the State Security Service (DTX) on November 29. Other APFP members were detained the same day, but most were later released.

Appeal by Imprisoned Economist Fazil Gasimov

In a related appeal, imprisoned economist Fazil Gasimov addressed British Ambassador Fergus Auld and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He was sentenced to nine years in March for forgery-related charges, which he denies.

Gasimov said he was illegally extradited from Turkey in August 2023. He stated that he and economist Gubad Ibadoghlu were being persecuted because they successfully registered the Azerbaijan Youth Education Fund (AYEF), a UK-based charity, in June 2023. Gasimov started the idea to create scholarships for Azerbaijani youth in Europe. He believes the fund angered political figures, leading to their politically motivated arrests.

He also expressed fear of being killed and said his health is declining due to a hunger strike and abuse in custody. Gasimov asked for help in regaining his freedom.