Azerbaijan: Authorities Continue to Target Independent Media, Detaining Meydan TV Journalists
December 6, 2024 - Azerbaijan, Baku
Multiple journalists from independent outlet Meydan TV including Khayala Agayeva, Aynur Elgunesh, Aytaj Tapdig, Aysel Umudova, and others, detained by Azerbaijani authorities.
Meydan TV also reported that law enforcement officials searched some of the journalists' homes, seizing belongings and personal equipment.
The arrests are reportedly linked to allegations of illegal currency smuggling, a claim that Meydan TV strongly denies. “We, as the management of Meydan TV, firmly state that the detention and interrogation of our journalists is illegal, and we refute all accusations,” the statement read.
This follows a disturbing pattern of targeted repression: Since November 2023, dozens of journalists in Azerbaijan, both men and women, have been detained under fabricated charges like "smuggling." Women journalists face unique risks, including harassment, intimidation, and physical assault, often aimed at silencing their reporting. These actions are part of Azerbaijan’s broader crackdown on press freedom, with increasing arrests and attacks against journalists covering corruption, human rights abuses, and dissent.
The EU, US, and international community must act now: Demand the immediate release of all detained journalists. Hold Azerbaijan accountable for violations of press freedom and human rights. Provide protection and support for independent media and journalists at risk. Women Press Freedom stands with Meydan TV and all journalists in Azerbaijan who continue to risk their safety to report the truth. Silencing the press is an attack on democracy.
Multiple journalists from independent outlet Meydan TV including Khayala Agayeva, Aynur Elgunesh, Aysel Umudova and others, detained by Azerbaijani authorities.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze, who was attacked live on air by multiple masked men reportedly tied to the Georgian government.
We reiterate our call to drop all charges against her and join the #FreeNarges to call again for her full release.
Supreme Court upholds the death sentence of Kurdish journalist Pakhshan Azizi, reinforcing the regime's brutal crackdown on dissent.
The journalist is being accused of the “appropriation and disclosure of a national defense secret.” She faces a potential 5-year prison sentence and a €75k fine if convicted.
On December 4, 2024, police raided the homes of journalists Mónica Rodríguez & Steve Magaña, known for their human rights work.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze insulted Formula TV journalist Eliso Jariashvili during a press conference, calling her "miserable" and accusing her of taking "dirty money."
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marine's family and loved ones and urge authorities to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into her untimely passing.
A man, who appeared uninvited and became verbally aggressive, forced the group to abandon the interview
Channel Nine reporter Airlie Walsh has filed a sex discrimination lawsuit against her employer, Channel Nine, while on maternity leave.
Court partially upheld sports journalist Ana Inés Martínez’s claims against Channel 10.
Court issues a detention order for exiled journalist Ayşe Kara during her retrial on charges of "membership in a terrorist organization."
WPF stands in solidarity with Rachel Yonkunas, an Emmy-winning investigative reporter, who is suing News12 Long Island for gender-based discrimination after being unfairly sidelined and fired.
Journalist’s truck was riddled with bullets, leaving her wounded after she was attacked by unknown assailants on December 1, 2024.
Sports reporter Ashley Wenskoski called out Miami's mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, for inappropriate behavior toward her while covering a college football game in Syracuse, New York.
Women Press Freedom demands immediate accountability from Georgian authorities. These assaults on the press are assaults on democracy itself. The world must stand with Georgian journalists now—before it’s too late.
Rachel Gilmore was publicly harassed for her reporting when an individual demanded she reveal her sources. The interaction was filmed and shared online, escalating the harassment.
Yohali Reséndiz received chilling death threats and sexual violence via WhatsApp, including a video of a corpse and calls threatening to rape and dismember her
Jelena Mirković and cameraman Aleksandar Cvrkotić attacked while they were covering a protest in Belgrade. Shoved, struck, and harassed, Mirković called it the worst attack in her decade-long career.
We urge the U.S. judicial system to ensure Williams receives the justice she deserves and to hold these media companies accountable for any breaches of law and ethics.
We demand Pakistani authorities investigate the incidents and hold those responsible to account.
We demand Chinese authorities release Zhang Zhan immediately and end the persecution of journalists.
Court issues an arrest warrant for France 24 journalist Catherine Norris Trent, accusing her of “illegally entering” Kursk while reporting on Ukraine’s summer incursion.
After announcing that EFJ would no longer be posting on X, Maja faced an onslaught of threats and misogynistic insults.
Journalist Nika Novak was sentenced to 4 years in a penal colony under the vague charge of “collaborating with a foreign organization.”
Several media workers detained in coordinated morning raids across the country. Among those detained are Roza Metina, Bilge Aksu, Ahmet Sümbül, and Erdoğan Alayumat.
Known for exposing human rights abuses in one of the world’s most repressive regimes, Soltan Achilova was detained under the false pretense of an “infection” and held without a clear diagnosis.
Russian drones targeted Hromadske journalists Ksyusha Savoskina and Oleksiy Nikulin. Their car, carrying filming equipment, was destroyed in an explosion. Forced to walk 3km under drone threats, they narrowly escaped injury.
Journalist Meskerem Abera, founder of Ethio Nikat, sentenced to one year and four months for "computer crimes" over YouTube content, accused of inciting unrest
Attack comes after Russian authorities initiated an administrative case against Larina in July, accusing her of failing to label her content with the "foreign agent" tag.
