International Journalist Federations Condemn Toplum TV Verdicts and Demand Immediate Releases

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have condemned the prison sentences handed down in the Toplum TV case and called for the immediate release of the jailed journalists.

In a joint statement, the organizations described the verdicts as politically motivated and said they reflected the Azerbaijani authorities’ continuing pressure on journalists carrying out their professional work.

EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutiérrez called the sentences extremely disproportionate and said the ruling appeared intended to silence critical voices in Azerbaijan.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the verdict as part of a broader policy of repression and intimidation targeting journalists. He stressed that the proceedings were being closely watched by the international community.

The Baku Court for Grave Crimes announced its verdict in the Toplum TV case on July 27.

Akif Gurbanov and Ruslan Izzatli were each sentenced to 15 years in prison. Alasgar Mammadli and Ali Zeynalov received 14-year sentences. Ramil Babayev, Mushfig Jabbarov and Ilkin Amrahov were sentenced to 13 years, while Farid Ismayilov and Elmir Abbasov received 12-year terms. Abbasov was taken into custody in the courtroom.

The court also banned each defendant from holding certain positions for two years and six months.

A total of 10 people have been prosecuted in the Toplum TV case, including journalists, civic and political activists, and employees of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives.

The defendants were initially charged with smuggling, but the accusations were later expanded. They reject the charges and say the case was brought against them on political orders because of their journalistic, civic and political activities.