Trial Continues in the “Toplum TV Case”

The Baku Serious Crimes Court has held another hearing in the “Toplum TV case,” presided over by Judge Azər Tağıyev. The indictment was read for Toplum TV journalist Müşfiq Cabbar, Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI) staff members Əli Zeynal and Ramil Babayev, and Third Republic Platform founding member Ruslan İzzətli. The next hearing is scheduled for June 23.

Previously, on May 19, the charges against IDI director Akif Qurbanov and Toplum TV co-founder Ələsgər Məmmədli were announced.

The case began after March 6, 2024, when law enforcement raided the offices and homes of staff from Toplum TV, IDI, and the Third Republic Platform. A total of nine individuals were charged, initially with smuggling (Article 206.3.2). Seven were arrested, while two were released pending investigation.

On January 17, 2025, charges were expanded to include illegal employment, unlicensed business activity, money laundering, smuggling, and tax evasion. Journalist Fərid İsmayılov was also arrested that day, and journalist Şahnaz Bəylərqızı was detained in February.

Toplum TV and its staff consider these actions politically motivated, aiming to silence independent media. Since November 2023, nearly 30 journalists, mainly affiliated with Meydan TV, AbzasMedia, and Toplum TV, have been arrested.

As a result, Toplum TV has suspended operations in Azerbaijan and continues its work with journalists abroad.