A Baku court sentenced nine Toplum TV journalists and activists to prison terms of 12 to 15 years.
Why it matters: The ruling adds to concerns that Azerbaijan is intensifying pressure on independent media and civil society. It also raises fresh questions for Western diplomacy and human-rights policy in the South Caucasus.
- The verdict came on July 27, 2026, in Baku.
- Nine journalists and media workers linked to Toplum TV were convicted on financial-crimes and related charges.
- Sentences ranged from 12 to 15 years, according to AP and Reuters.
- The case included Toplum TV founder and director Alasgar Mammadli, co-founder Akif Gurbanov, and other journalists, staff and activists.
A Baku court convicted nine journalists and media workers linked to Toplum TV on July 27, sentencing them to prison terms of 12 to 15 years on financial-crimes and related charges, according to AP. The verdict covered Toplum TV founder and director Alasgar Mammadli, co-founder Akif Gurbanov, and other journalists, project staff and activists associated with the outlet and the Institute for Democratic Initiatives.
Reuters reported that two co-founders, three journalists and four activists were sentenced, and that the defendants and their lawyers said the trial was unfair and politically motivated. Defense lawyer Elchin Sadigov told AP the ruling was unlawful and tied to the defendants' journalistic activity, saying none of the defense motions were granted.
Press-freedom groups say the case fits a broader crackdown on independent media that intensified after police raids on Toplum TV in March 2024. The International Federation of Journalists said the sentences of up to 15 years confirmed the political nature of the trial and an effort to intimidate journalists. Human Rights Watch said in its 2026 country report that Azerbaijan continued a crackdown on independent media that began in late 2023 and targeted Toplum TV, Abzas Media and Meydan TV.
Reuters also cited Reporters Without Borders' 2026 ranking that placed Azerbaijan 171st out of 180 countries for press freedom, underscoring how strained the media environment remains.
By the numbers
- 9 - journalists and media workers convicted in the Toplum TV case
- 12 to 15 years - prison terms handed down by the Baku court
- 171 out of 180 - Azerbaijan's 2026 press-freedom ranking cited by Reuters
Yes, but: The dossier does not include a full official court judgment or a detailed government response, so the authorities' full legal reasoning remains unclear.