Independent journalist Izolda Aghayeva is banned from leaving the country, she told Meydan TV. On March 21, Aghayeva tried to leave for Turkey but was slapped with a travel ban. She suspects that the reason for the travel ban is her cooperation with Meydan TV.
“The very first time I learned there was a STOP sign in front of my name was when I returned from Ukraine back in September last year,” Aghayeva said. “After that, March 21 was the first time I tried leaving the country. However, the State Border Service staff told me I was banned from leaving the country. They told me I should know better, and that they don’t have the right to tell me anything.”
“They referred me to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Border Service in order to learn more about the ban. This March, I registered to take exams for graduate schools in Turkey. The only reason for the ban I can think of is my cooperation with Meydan TV as an independent journalist. I know that there is no legal basis for the ban. Therefore, I have talked to my lawyer. I will take the case to the court.”
A few days ago, another independent journalist, Guler Mehdizade, was also banned from leaving the country presumably due to her cooperation with Meydan TV.
