The Baku Court of Serious Crimes sentenced nine journalists and media workers associated with the independent broadcaster Toplum TV to prison terms ranging from 12 to 15 years on July 27, 2026.
Why it matters: This case highlights the deteriorating state of press freedom in Azerbaijan, as the government intensifies its crackdown on independent media. The sentences are seen as politically motivated, aiming to silence dissenting voices.
The harsh sentences were widely condemned by international organizations, including the European and International Federations of Journalists.
Toplum TV is known for its investigative journalism on human rights and corruption, making it a target for the Azerbaijani authorities.
Driving the news: On July 27, the court found the nine individuals guilty of smuggling under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code, accusing them of operating as an organized criminal group to misuse Western donor funds.
Those sentenced include Akif Gurbanov and Ruslan Izetli, each receiving 15 years, and Alasgar Mammadli, who received 14 years.
The court also ordered the confiscation of properties owned by Gurbanov, Mammadli, and others, fulfilling a civil claim amounting to approximately $46,700.
State of play: The Azerbaijani police raided Toplum TV's offices in March 2024, leading to the arrest of most of the defendants.
Security forces sealed the editorial office during the raid, which was part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism in the country.
Abbasov, one of the defendants, was free at the time of the verdict but was taken into custody immediately afterward.
The big picture: This verdict has raised serious concerns about the future of media freedom in Azerbaijan, as the government continues to suppress independent voices.
Amnesty International described the actions as blatant suppression of independent media.
The U.S. State Department condemned the persecution of Toplum TV staff and called for their release.
What they're saying: Ricardo Gutiérrez, General Secretary of the EFJ, expressed shock at the sentences, stating, "We are shocked by these utterly disproportionate sentences, which confirm the purely political nature of this trial."
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ General Secretary, added, "This court ruling is part of a policy of relentless repression against journalists... It is pure and simple government repression and intimidation. The world is watching."
By the numbers: The sentences handed down are as follows:
Akif Gurbanov – 15 years
Ruslan Izetli – 15 years
Alasgar Mammadli – 14 years
Ali Zeynal – 14 years
Mushfig Jabbar – 13 years
Ilkin Amrahov – 13 years
Ramil Babayev – 13 years
Farid Ismayilov – 12 years
Elmir Abbasov – 12 years
Between the lines: The verdict reflects the Azerbaijani government's increasing intolerance for dissent and its efforts to control the narrative through intimidation and imprisonment.
Toplum TV has been a prominent platform for reporting on issues that challenge the government, making it a key target in the crackdown.
The sentences could deter other journalists from pursuing investigative work out of fear of similar repercussions.
What's next: The international community is likely to continue its scrutiny of Azerbaijan's treatment of journalists.
Calls for the immediate release of the convicted media workers are expected to grow louder, as human rights organizations ramp up their advocacy efforts.
Future developments may hinge on international diplomatic pressure and Azerbaijan's response to global condemnation.