Day: December 1, 2025

Violence against journalists in Azerbaijan

Journalists detained in Azerbaijan in connection with the “Meydan TV case” have reported being subjected to physical abuse by the head of the convoy at the Baku Court of Appeals, identified as Jamil Huseynov. Similar accusations have also been made against him in other cases.

According to reports, Jamil Huseynov, who oversees the transfer of prisoners at the Baku Court of Appeals, physically assaulted Meydan TV staff members in custody, Aytaj Tapdyg (Ahmedova) and Aysel Umudova.

Aytaj Tapdyg reported that on 26 September, while being taken to the Court of Appeals, Jamil Huseynov led her down the corridor “forcefully and abruptly.” Later, as she entered the holding room, he pushed her. Tapdyg noted that this treatment occurred after she spoke with her colleagues, who were also in custody.

Journalist Aysel Umudova also stated that during her transfer to the Baku Court of Appeals, the head of the convoy pressed and injured her finger.

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Not only against Meydan TV staff

It has been reported that convoy head Jamil Huseynov was also present when physical force was used against detained AbzasMedia staff during another court session on 9 September.

It is further claimed that during a speech at the Court of Appeals by Afiyaddin Mamedov, head of the “Working Table” Trade Union Confederation, Huseynov forcibly took the text of his speech, pushed him, and pressed him against a glass booth. Activist Sara Ragimova later confirmed similar circumstances in an interview.

The allegations point to a systematic use of physical force by Huseynov. The justice authorities have not commented on these claims.

It is also reported that Jamil Huseynov is a close friend of one of the investigators in the “Meydan TV case,” Habib Habibli. Media reports previously indicated that investigator Habibli had allegedly demanded a bribe from one of the detainees.

Summary

Detained journalists are calling for stricter oversight of convoy personnel during court proceedings and for an impartial investigation into the allegations of abuse.

No official comments have been made on the matter. State authorities consistently describe such claims as false and reject them.

Violence against journalists in Azerbaijan