Imprisoned Azerbaijani Journalist Teymur Karimov Denied Adequate Medical Care as Health Deteriorates

The health of imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist and head of online outlet Kanal 11, Teymur Karimov, has severely worsened, according to his relatives. Karimov is reportedly suffering from acute liver complications but remains deprived of essential medical examinations and proper treatment behind bars.

His family revealed that prison medical personnel dismissed his health complaints, mockingly advising him to “drink fruit molasses, and it will pass” rather than providing standard medical care.

Case Background and Sentence Reductions

 Arrest and Charges: Karimov was detained in December 2023 and charged under Article 182 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code (extortion). Authorities accused him and reporter Istak Totiyeva of demanding 10,000 AZN (and receiving 1,000 AZN) from an individual to remove critical material from their platform.

 Sentencing: The Baku Grave Crimes Court initially sentenced Karimov to eight years in prison alongside a two-year ban on journalistic activity. Totiyeva received a suspended sentence.

 Appeals: In May 2025, the Baku Court of Appeal reduced his sentence to seven years. Later, in December 2025, the Supreme Court shaved off an additional two years, bringing the term down to five years.

Karimov denies all allegations, maintaining that the charges were fabricated in retaliation for his reporting. His work heavily documented civic protests, human rights violations, and police misconduct against Karabakh war veterans. He also testified in court that he was subjected to torture and threats during his initial detention, allegations the Ministry of Internal Affairs has rejected.