Journalists detained in Azerbaijan in connection with the “Meydan TV case” have reported being subjected to physical abuse by the head of the convoy at the Baku Court of Appeals, identified as Jamil Huseynov. Similar accusations have also been made against him in other cases.
According to reports, Jamil Huseynov, who oversees the transfer of prisoners at the Baku Court of Appeals, physically assaulted Meydan TV staff members in custody, Aytaj Tapdyg (Ahmedova) and Aysel Umudova.
On 6 December 2024, Meydan TV staff members Ramin Deko (Jabrayilzade), Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunesh), Aysel Umudova, Aytaj Ahmedova (Tapdyg), Khayal Aghayeva, and Natik Javadly were detained. They were charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling carried out by a group of persons acting in collusion), and the case against them became known as the “Meydan TV case.” Later, journalists Shamshad Aga, Nurlan Libre, Fatima Movlamly, Ulviya Ali, and Ahmed Mukhtar were also arrested in connection with the same case.
In August of this year, the charges against the journalists were intensified, and new articles were added to the case.
Meydan TV says these arrests are linked to their critical professional work.
Aytaj Tapdyg reported that on 26 September, while being taken to the Court of Appeals, Jamil Huseynov led her down the corridor “forcefully and abruptly.” Later, as she entered the holding room, he pushed her. Tapdyg noted that this treatment occurred after she spoke with her colleagues, who were also in custody.
Journalist Aysel Umudova also stated that during her transfer to the Baku Court of Appeals, the head of the convoy pressed and injured her finger.
It has been reported that convoy head Jamil Huseynov was also present when physical force was used against detained AbzasMedia staff during another court session on 9 September.
It is further claimed that during a speech at the Court of Appeals by Afiyaddin Mamedov, head of the “Working Table” Trade Union Confederation, Huseynov forcibly took the text of his speech, pushed him, and pressed him against a glass booth. Activist Sara Ragimova later confirmed similar circumstances in an interview.
The allegations point to a systematic use of physical force by Huseynov. The justice authorities have not commented on these claims.
It is also reported that Jamil Huseynov is a close friend of one of the investigators in the “Meydan TV case,” Habib Habibli. Media reports previously indicated that investigator Habibli had allegedly demanded a bribe from one of the detainees.
Summary
Detained journalists are calling for stricter oversight of convoy personnel during court proceedings and for an impartial investigation into the allegations of abuse.
No official comments have been made on the matter. State authorities consistently describe such claims as false and reject them.
