Ruslan Izzatli: “Those speaking in the name of the state have addressed citizens with a language of violence for 33 years”

A new hearing in the “Toplum TV case” was held on June 8 at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, presided over by Judge Azer Taghiyev.

During the session, state prosecutor Rauf Malishov requested prison sentences for the accused. He also proposed additional penalties, including a three-year ban on holding positions in state and local self-government bodies.

According to the prosecution’s request, sentences were proposed as follows: Akif Gurbanov, head of the Institute of Democratic Initiatives (IDI), 16 years in prison; Ələsgər Məmmədli, co-founder of “Toplum TV”, 15 years; politician Ruslan Izzatli, 16 years; IDI staff members Ramil Babayev and Əli Zeynal, 14 and 15 years respectively; İlkin Əmrahov, 14 years; and “Toplum TV” employees Müşfiq Cabbar, Fərid İsmayılov, and Elmir Abbasov, 14 and 13 years respectively.

The most prominent statement in court came from politician Ruslan Izzatli, who responded to the prosecutor’s request by criticizing the political system and the broader climate in the country.

“Those who speak in the name of the state have, for 33 years, addressed citizens not with love but with a language of violence and repression. This is a sign of exhaustion, helplessness, and systemic decline,” Izzatli said.

He argued that the current political system is “tired and incapable of renewal,” and that its response to dissent is based on repression rather than dialogue.

Referring to Azerbaijani statesman Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh, Izzatli quoted his view that political organizations demonstrate their public legitimacy during elections, describing elections as a “test field for political forces.”

He further claimed that the criminal case against him and others is politically motivated, stating that the authorities are unable to compete with them in a political arena and therefore resort to punitive measures.

Concluding his statement, Izzatli called on the public not to lose hope, saying: “Do not search for happiness in darkness; happiness is in light. Take a step toward that light—everything depends on your step.”

The “Toplum TV case” involves a total of 10 individuals. Initially, they were charged with smuggling, but the charges were later aggravated.

All defendants reject the accusations, stating that the case is politically motivated.