On December 6, 2024, in the aftermath of UN Climate Change conference COP29 held in Baku, Azerbaijani, authorities detained seven journalists and media workers on spurious charges of “smuggling”, which carry prison sentences from 5-8 years. Their arbitrary detention and prosecution are a reprisal for their journalistic work and part of the government’s crackdown on critical voices, which intensified one year ago.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: March 6, 2025
Dear President,
I am writing to express my concern about the ongoing arbitrary detention of at least seven journalists and media workers after the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29).
On December 6, 2024, law enforcement arrested Meydan TV employees Khayala Agayeva, Aytaj Ahmadova, Aynur Ganbarova, Natig Javadli, Aysel Umudova, Ramin Deko (Jabrayilzade), and Deputy Director of Baku School of Journalism, Ulvi Tahirov. They were reportedly accused of smuggling currency into the country. This accusation, which is similar to that used against other critical voices in Azerbaijan, is trumped up and politically motivated. I am particularly concerned that they were refused access to their lawyers after they were detained. Their lawyers reported that they waited from one to five hours to see their clients on December 6.
I urge you to take all necessary steps to ensure an immediate release of all media workers arrested in retaliation for their critical reporting, including the recently arrested employees of MeydanTV and to put an end to the clampdown on media and other independent voices in Azerbaijan.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
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