Polad Aslanov is an Azerbaijani journalist known for his critical reporting on government corruption. He was the founder and chief editor of the independent news websites Xeberman and Press-az. In June 2019, while attempting to travel to Iran with his wife and daughter, Aslanov was detained at a border crossing. His family was released, but he was charged with high treason for allegedly providing state secrets to Iran. Aslanov has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that they are retaliation for his investigative journalism.

In November 2020, Aslanov was sentenced to 16 years in prison. His trial was criticized for being closed to the public, and he was convicted under charges he and international observers deemed politically motivated.

Since his imprisonment, Aslanov's health has deteriorated. In January 2024, he began a hunger strike to protest his detention conditions and the lack of progress on his appeal. Reports indicated that he suffered from kidney and stomach pains during this period.

Aslanov's case has drawn international attention, with organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemning his imprisonment as an infringement on press freedom. His wife, Gulmira Aslanova, continues to advocate for his release, emphasizing his innocence and the hardship his family endures due to his absence.

As of April 2025, Polad Aslanov remains incarcerated, with ongoing calls from