Toplum TV Journalists and Civil Society Figures Receive Prison Sentences of up to 15 Years

The Baku Court for Grave Crimes on July 27 sentenced nine defendants in the Toplum TV case to lengthy prison terms after finding them guilty on multiple criminal charges.

The verdict was delivered by Judge Azar Taghiyev after the defendants made their final statements before the court.

According to the ruling:

• Akif Gurbanov, head of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI), was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
• Alasgar Mammadli, co-founder of Toplum TV, received 14 years.
• Politician Ruslan Izzatli was sentenced to 15 years.
• IDI employees Ramil Babayev and Ilkin Amrahov each received 13 years.
• Ali Zeynal was sentenced to 14 years.
• Toplum TV journalists Mushfig Jabbar received 13 years, Farid Ismayilov 12 years, and Elmir Abbasov 11 years, 11 months and 28 days.

A total of ten people have been prosecuted in the Toplum TV case.

The defendants were initially charged with smuggling, but prosecutors later expanded the indictment to include additional criminal offenses.

All of the defendants deny the charges, saying the case is politically motivated and that they are being prosecuted because of their journalistic, civil society and political activities.

The verdict has raised renewed concerns among relatives and supporters over the health of several of those sentenced. They argue that some defendants suffer from serious medical conditions and warn that lengthy prison terms could put their lives at risk if adequate medical care is not provided.

Azerbaijani authorities maintain that the case is based on criminal offenses and reject allegations that the prosecution is politically motivated.