Guler Mehdizade, an independent Azerbaijani journalist, was banned from leaving the country, the journalist told Meydan TV. She was not allowed to cross the border when leaving for Turkey on March 19.
“They did not explain as to why I was banned from leaving the country,” she told Meydan TV. “Some time ago, I was also sent back when trying to cross the border with Georgia. Later, they started investigating my tax activities. They were mainly interested in my collaboration with Meydan TV and the money transactions I received from them. I told them I had never cooperated with Meydan TV. Only a few of my op-eds, which were published in various media outlets, as well as my own blog were cited by Meydan TV. Apart from this, I was never even investigated regarding my alleged cooperation with Meydan TV. In this case, what are the grounds for my travel ban?!”
Mehdizade says she has filed an appeal with the relevant authorities. If no action is taken, she will take the case to a court.
