Azerbaijan court convicts 9 journalists and activists in a case seen as an attack on media freedom
Summary
A court in Azerbaijan sentenced nine journalists and activists from an independent news outlet to prison for financial crimes. Human rights groups say the case is politically motivated to silence critical media in the country.Key Facts
- Nine journalists and activists linked to Toplum TV were convicted on charges of illegally using Western donor funds.
- Sentences range from 12 to 15 years in prison.
- The accused deny the charges and plan to appeal.
- Human rights groups call the trial politically motivated and part of a crackdown on free speech.
- Toplum TV was one of the last independent news outlets in Azerbaijan, known for reporting on corruption.
- President Ilham Aliyev’s government has a history of restricting opposition and independent media.
- Aliyev won a new term as president in 2024 with 92% of the vote amid limited political competition.
- International journalist organizations condemned the verdict and called for the release of the journalists.
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