Imprisoned Journalist: “I Suspect That After the Violence, My Health Has Suffered More Serious Damage”

Ulviyya Ali

Ulviyya Ali, a journalist arrested in connection with the “Meydan TV case,” has written from Baku Detention Facility No. 1, describing how the effects of the torture she endured during detention have become more severe. She says she now suffers daily from headaches, nausea, dizziness, and vision blackouts.

Journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva) was violently detained by officers of the Baku City Main Police Department on the night of May 7. Her home was searched. That same day, Khatai District Court ordered a pretrial detention of 1 month and 29 days against her.

On December 6, 2024, several Meydan TV journalists—Ramin Deko (Jabrayilzade), Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunash), Aysel Umudova, Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdiq), Khayala Agayeva, and Natiq Javadli—were also detained. They were charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling committed by a group of persons in prior collusion). The case became known as the “Meydan TV case.” Subsequently, other journalists—Shamshad Aga, Nurlan Libre, and Fatima Movlamli—were also arrested. Meydan TV maintains that these arrests are due to their critical reporting.

Below is the full letter Ulviyya Ali sent from prison to JAMnews:

“It’s been 20 days since my detention, but no necessary steps have been taken to examine me.”

“In 2017, a 4mm microadenoma tumor was discovered near my pituitary gland. Since then, I’ve received annual medical checkups and treatment. Since the assault on May 7, not a single day has passed without headaches, nausea, dizziness, and blackouts. I take 2–3 painkillers daily, but that’s not enough for effective treatment. I suspect more serious damage, because in addition to nausea, I’ve vomited at different times and had nosebleeds on two occasions. I strongly suspect that the violence inflicted on me has caused more severe harm to my health.”

“Despite 20 days having passed since the violence, no forensic medical examination has been appointed. While the signs of violence may fade with time, the damage to my health cannot be erased—it reveals itself in different forms.”

“No police officer who subjected me to violence or threatened me with rape has been held accountable.”

“I’ve also been subjected to other violations of my rights. Although I was detained around 11 PM on May 6, the records state 3:50 AM on May 7. A search was unlawfully conducted in my home without a lawyer present. They claimed to have found €6,700 in my home, but that money does not belong to me. In fact, I don’t even use cash in Azerbaijani manats. Especially in a country where more than 30 journalists have been arrested under similar pretexts, even if the money were mine, keeping it at home would be foolish.”

“The thing I miss most is doing journalism—and, of course, music.”

“Sometimes I hum to myself. I feel regret when something interesting happens in the cell and I can’t photograph it. But I’m recording everything in my memory. The day I was arrested, when I reached the entrance of the building, the red light from the black car cast a beautiful reflection on the rainy pavement. I even raised my head to take a photo—then the man who arrested me came up and took my phone. I didn’t know that would be the last photo I’d take in freedom.”

“The first book I read in prison was the biography of Marie Antoinette. In a strange coincidence, on May 10, I read this passage:

‘Finally, on Tuesday, May 10, at half past three, the candle went out. The palace trembled from room to room with the cry that shook every corner: “The king is dead, long live the king!”’

“When I read that sentence, I remembered my dear friend Bayram Mammadov, and also Giyas Ibrahimov. They came to mind again when I was subjected to violence at the Baku City Police Department, because I was being abused under the same roof they once were. We have not only become comrades in ideology, but also companions in fate.”

“Journalism is not a crime!”

Addressing her arrest under the “Meydan TV case,” she writes that she had been working with Voice of America since 2019. After it ceased operations, she continued to post court reports and coverage on her own Facebook profile, without compensation.

“Those greedy for money can never understand the meaning of that. Journalism is not about money to me; it’s a matter of conscience. I have no professional relationship with Meydan TV. To limit my journalistic activity, they’re trying to tie me to a criminal case involving a media outlet I have no business affiliation with,” she writes.

“I want to reiterate once more that journalism is not a crime! I thank everyone who has supported me these past days, who shed light on the violence and rape threats I endured, and who shared information about my case.

With love,Ulviyya AliBDI (Baku Detention Facility)”