A Baku court on heavy crimes sentenced nine journalists and activists to lengthy prison terms in the case of the independent media outlet Toplum TV. Co-founders Akif Gurbanov and Ruslan Izzetli each received 15 years in prison.
Toplum TV founder Alesker Mamedli and journalist Ali Zeynalov were sentenced to 14 years, video editor Mushvig Jabbarov and activists Ilkin Amrakhov and Ramil Babayev to 13 years. Social media manager Elmir Abbasov and journalist Farid Ismayilov each got 12 years. Abbasov, who had been free, was taken into custody in the courtroom.
The defendants were charged with smuggling (Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code). The court also ordered the confiscation of their homes and cars and upheld a tax authority claim for 79,440 manats (about $46,700). Mamedli's lawyer earlier said his client had serious health problems.
Toplum TV staff were detained in March 2024 after a search and sealing of the outlet's office. The outlet was known for reporting on corruption and human rights, and for giving airtime to opposition figures and civil activists.
Speaking in court, Gurbanov called the prosecution political and alleged an 'usurpation of constitutional power' in Azerbaijan. According to OC Media, more than 30 journalists have been arrested in the country since November 2023.