The Azerbaijani Prosecutor’s Office has named 15 individuals in the criminal investigation launched against Meydan TV, lawyer Elchin Sadigov said.
No one has been officially charged yet, but a number of journalists have been unlawfully barred from leaving the country.
In addition, some have had their homes searched, and their equipment has been confiscated without a warrant.
Over the past several months, the Prosecutor’s Office has repeatedly summoned Meydan TV contributors for questioning, and several have been subjected to tax audits.
Azerbaijani authorities launched a criminal investigation into Meydan TV for alleged illegal practice and profit-making in an especially large amount, large-scale tax evasion and abuse of power resulting in falsification of elections and/or referendum results, Sadigov said earlier.
Sadigov deems the criminal charges unfounded, but is concerned that the journalists may face arrests.
