Shamshad Aga: This isn't a criminal case; it's the tale of Malikmammad

Aytaj Tapdyg (Ahmedova), Aysel Umudova and Shamshad Aga

Azerbaijani journalists involved in the Meydan TV case are facing increased charges and alleging physical abuse while in jail. These detentions started in December 2024, and the journalists believe they are politically motivated because of their critical reporting.

Journalist Calls Trial a Show

At a court hearing on November 28, 2025, to extend his detention, Shamshad Aga, the editor-in-chief of argument.az, spoke to the Khatai District Court.

Aga claimed that the legal process isn't based on law but on President Ilham Aliyev's personal control. He said, "In these processes, the investigator, the prosecutor, and the judge is Ilham Aliyev." He accused the court of simply following orders from above, stating, "In short, this is not a criminal case; it is the tale of Malikmammad."

The journalist said that he and his colleagues were arrested for their journalism, not for actual crimes. He stated that Meydan TV had broken through the fake information blockade set up by the current government, which is why its staff were targeted with made-up charges.

Aga's lawyer asked for him to be moved to house arrest due to family and health issues, but the request was denied. The court then agreed to the Chief Prosecutor's Office's request to extend Aga's detention by 20 days, until December 25.

Aga was arrested on February 5, 2025, and charged with smuggling (Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code). In August 2025, the charges increased with seven more articles against him and his co-defendants. All the arrested journalists say they are innocent and are being punished for their critical views.

Physical Abuse Allegations in Jail

Besides the controversial court proceedings, detained journalists have reported physical abuse during transfers.

Meydan TV staff members Aytaj Tapdyg (Ahmedova) and Aysel Umudova, among the eleven journalists arrested, accused Jamil Huseynov, the head of the convoy at the Baku Court of Appeals, of using physical force against them.

Aytaj Tapdyg reported that on September 26, Huseynov led her down a corridor forcefully and abruptly and pushed her into the holding room after she spoke with her detained colleagues.

Aysel Umudova said that Huseynov pressed and injured her finger during her transfer to the Court of Appeals.

These claims aren't isolated. Huseynov has been accused of similar actions in other cases, including using force against detained AbzasMedia staff. He also allegedly seized a speech from trade union head Afiyaddin Mamedov at the Court of Appeals, pushing him against a glass booth.

Media reports also say that Jamil Huseynov is a close friend of Habib Habibli, one of the investigators in the Meydan TV case, who was previously accused of asking for a bribe from a detainee.

The detained journalists want an impartial investigation into these abuse reports, but authorities haven't commented and usually call such claims false.