The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) strongly condemns the brutal prison sentences handed down on 27 July 2026 to journalists and media professionals associated with independent outlet Toplum TV. The verdict represents a severe escalation in Azerbaijan’s ongoing crackdown on independent journalism and further restricts the already shrinking space for free and critical reporting in the country.
The Baku Court of Serious Crimes sentenced nine journalists and media actors linked to Toplum TV, the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI) and the Third Republic Platform to a combined 121 years in prison. The defendants received sentences ranging from 12 to 15 years: Akif Gurbanov, Chairperson of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI) and spokesperson for the Third Republic Platform, and Ruslan Izzetli, co-founder of the Third Republic Platform, were each sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. Toplum TV founder and media lawyer Alasgar Mammadli and IDI journalist trainer Ali Zeynal were each sentenced to 14 years. Toplum TV video editor Mushfig Jabbar, IDI project coordinators Ramil Babayev and Ilkin Amrahov each received 13-year sentences, while Toplum TV reporter Farid Ismayilov and social media manager Elmir Abbasov were each sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.
The convictions follow the March 2024 police raids on the offices of Toplum TV and the Institute for Democratic Initiatives, during which authorities sealed the media outlet’s premises and detained almost the entire editorial team. The defendants were initially accused of smuggling money into the country, charges that were later expanded to include illegal entrepreneurship, money laundering, tax evasion, document forgery and participation in an alleged organised criminal group.
These charges stem from Azerbaijan’s restrictive media legislation, which effectively prevents independent media outlets from receiving foreign funding. The criminalisation of funding mechanisms has become a tool used by the authorities to target independent journalism and dismantle critical voices.
“This verdict is not merely a court ruling against the staff of Toplum TV; it is a severe blow to independent journalism and to the public’s right to access information in Azerbaijan,” said Parvana Gurbanli, Editor-in-chief at Toplum TV.
“Although the Azerbaijani authorities have systematically targeted Toplum TV as part of their broader crackdown on independent media, they have failed to silence it. Despite intense pressure, smear campaigns, and the immense challenges of operating in exile, Toplum TV continues its work in accordance with the principles of professional journalism. In recent years, we have witnessed increasingly harsher sentences being imposed on representatives of the independent media. This demonstrates that the Azerbaijani authorities are not seeking to scale back their repression but are instead choosing to intensify it.”
“This is deeply discouraging and indicates that the future of independent media in Azerbaijan is becoming increasingly uncertain and bleak.”
ECPMF considers these convictions to be yet another example of the Azerbaijani authorities using the criminal justice system to silence independent journalism. The Toplum TV case follows a broader pattern of repression against independent media, including the targeting of outlets such as Abzas Media, Meydan TV and Kanal 13, with journalists facing arrest, lengthy pre-trial detention, judicial harassment and politically motivated charges.
ECPMF calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all journalists and media workers imprisoned for carrying out their professional duties, overturn the politically motivated convictions, and stop the persecution of independent media.
The international community, including the European Union, the Council of Europe and the OSCE, must continue to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its obligations to protect freedom of expression, media pluralism and the rights of journalists to work without fear of imprisonment or retaliation.
