The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) condemn the extremely harsh prison sentences handed down on 27 July by an Azerbaijani court to journalists and media actors associated with leading independent news outlet Toplum TV. The court’s verdict confirms the political nature of the trial and the authorities’ desire to intimidate and repress journalists who are simply doing their job. The IFJ and the EFJ demand the immediate release of the media workers who have been unjustly convicted.

The Baku Court of Serious Crimes today condemned nine journalists and media actors linked to the leading independent broadcaster Toplum TV. These nine individuals – who include journalists, a journalist trainer, project managers, and the founders of media outlets – were accused of acting as an “organized criminal group” to obtain and use Western donor funds, in violation of Azerbaijani legislation.

Following the final hearing, on Monday, the following prison sentences were handed down:

Alasgar Mammadli, Toplum TV founder and media lawyer – 14 years
Mushfig Jabbar, Toplum TV video editor – 13 years
Farid Ismayilov, Toplum TV reporter – 12 years
Elmir Abbasov, Toplum TV social media manager – 12 years
Ali Zeynal, IDI journalist trainer – 14 years
Ramil Babayev, IDI project coordinator – 13 years
Ilkin Amrahov, IDI project coordinator – 13 years
Akif Gurbanov, IDI chairperson and Third Republic Platform spokesperson – 15 years
Ruslan Izzetli, Third Republic Platform co-founder – 15 years.
The Azerbaidjani police raided the offices of Toplum TV and IDI and arrested most of those listed above in March 2024.

“We are shocked by these utterly disproportionate sentences, which confirm the purely political nature of this trial, which is aimed solely at silencing courageous voices in Azerbaijan,” said EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutiérrez. ”

“This court ruling is part of a policy of relentless repression against journalists, including female media workers. It has nothing to do with justice. It is pure and simple government repression and intimidation. Those who contribute to this travesty of justice will be held to account by the courts,” added Anthony Bellanger, IFJ General Secretary.