Silencing the Messenger: Nurlan Libre Denounces Rights Violations in "Meydan TV" Trial

A significant event unfolded during a recent hearing at the Baku Grave Crimes Court, which is currently handling legal cases against independent media in Azerbaijan. Nurlan Libre (Gahramanli), one of the twelve individuals charged in the well-known "Meydan TV case," made an urgent appeal from the glass enclosure within the courtroom. He stated that Elnur Ismayilov, the head of the Baku Detention Center, had taken his indictment papers, thus preventing him from preparing his legal defense.

Court officials promptly stopped Libre's statements, and the public was then asked to leave the courtroom. This incident is not an isolated report of improper conduct; other journalists involved in the same trial, including Khayala Agayeva and Aytac Ahmadova, have previously described ongoing mistreatment, insults, and witnessing acts of torture at the detention facility. While the Penitentiary Service maintains that all rights of detainees are respected, the court has yet to take any meaningful action regarding these increasing complaints.

The "Meydan TV case" is part of a larger, more aggressive suppression of independent journalism that escalated in late 2023. Over 30 journalists and activists have been detained across various media organizations, such as AbzasMedia and ToplumTV. In the proceedings related to Meydan TV, a group of reporters and media professionals—among them Aynur Ganbarova and Ramin Deko—are facing serious accusations, including smuggling, operating illegal businesses, and tax evasion. If they are found guilty, they could be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison.

These journalists strongly deny the charges, viewing their imprisonment as a politically motivated effort to suppress free speech and punish individuals who expose government corruption. Despite international concern and the defendants' assertions that they are being targeted because of their professional work, officials in Azerbaijan continue to state that these arrests are solely criminal matters and are not connected to media activities. The trial has been postponed until May 1 because defense counsel Cavad Cavadov was unable to attend due to health problems.