Kamran Mammadli, who attended the Khatai District Court to observe the proceedings of imprisoned journalist Aynur Elgunash in the “Meydan TV case,” initially disappeared, only to later be confirmed as having been detained by the police.
“Kamran has been released. He was taken to the 34th precinct, and they initially planned to send him to court for a 24-hour detention, but the decision was changed at the last minute,” his friends shared on social media.
No news about animal rights activist Kamran Mammadli
On March 7, the Khatai District Court examined the appeal of imprisoned Meydan TV journalist Aynur Elgunash (Ganbarova), requesting her release on house arrest. The defense argued that there was no legal justification for her detention. However, the court dismissed the appeal.
According to information shared on social media, no news has been received about Kamran Mammadli, who had gone to the Khatai District Court to observe the trial of journalist Aynur Elgunash.
The social activist called out the journalist’s name in front of the court to show support, indicating that he was present.
“They threatened to call the police to remove the social activist from there. After that, it was impossible to contact Kamran,” was written on social media.
On December 6, 2024, Meydan TV employees Ramin Deko (Jabrayilzada), Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunash), Aysel Umudova, Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig), Khayala Aghayeva, and Natig Javadli were arrested. They were charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling, committed by a group of people acting in concert). A four-month detention order was issued for them during the investigation period.
Along with the Meydan TV employees, civil society member Ulvi Tahirov was also arrested on the same day. He was also placed under a four-month detention order under the same charge. Ulvi Tahirov has no connection to Meydan TV.
On February 5, 2025, Shamshad Aghayev (Agha), the editor-in-chief of “argument.az” website and a journalist cooperating with Meydan TV, was arrested. He was placed under a detention order for 2 months and 1 day.
On February 20, journalist Nurlan Libre (Gahramanli) was arrested in connection with the criminal case related to “Meydan TV.” The court placed him under detention for 1 month and 17 days.
Fatimə Movlamli was also arrested on February 28 in connection with the “Meydan TV” case. The Khatai District Court decided on March 1 to detain the journalist for 1 month and 9 days during the investigation.
Searches were conducted in the homes of the arrested journalists, and their phones, computers, and other personal belongings were seized.
The arrested journalists deny the charges, stating that they are being punished for their critical activities as Meydan TV employees.
Currently, around 30 journalists and public activists are in detention on similar charges. They reject the accusations and link them to their professional activities. Government representatives assert that there are no politically motivated arrests in the country.
International human rights organizations and Western officials are also urging the government to release those unjustly detained.
