Detained journalists report abuse during cell search
Abuse of detained journalists in Baku was reported on 18 February 2026, when Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig), Aysel Umudova and Khayala Aghayeva stated that they were subjected to physical and verbal violence during a cell search at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 1. The abuse was reportedly committed by approximately 10 detention officers led by Deputy Warden Javid Gulaliyev.
According to their account, male officers were present during the search despite regulations prohibiting their presence in women’s cells. When the journalists objected to the manner of an irregular search, officers used force, twisting their arms behind their backs, pressing their necks downward, and dragging them on the ground from the cell. One officer reportedly forced open a restroom door while Aysel Umudova was inside. The journalists state that they were insulted, threatened and restrained by multiple staff members. Khayala Aghayeva sustained visible injuries to her wrist and hand, and Aytaj Tapdig was reportedly held alone in the exercise yard for approximately 30 minutes.
The incident was captured on corridor surveillance cameras that stream to the office of the detention centre director. The journalists state that the search appeared to be retaliatory, following protests they had made during recent court hearings. They report being warned that similar searches may take place weekly.
BACKGROUND
Since November 2023, the Azerbaijani authorities have arbitrarily detained nearly 30 journalists and other media workers, as they stepped up their crackdown on independent voices and all dissent in the country. At least 12 of those detained since 6 December 2024 are journalists and media workers linked to Meydan TV, the Baku School of Journalism and other independent media outlets, as part of a single criminal case.
On 6 December 2024, Meydan TV journalists Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunash), Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig), Khayala Aghayeva, Aysel Umudova, Ramin Jabrailzadeh (Deko) and Natig Javadli were detained, alongside Ulvi Tahirov, Deputy Director of the Baku School of Journalism. Further arrests followed: Shamshad Agha (Aghayev), editor-in-chief of Argument.az and a contributor to Meydan TV, as well as freelance reporters Nurlan Gahramanli (Libre) and Fatima Movlamli, were detained in February 2025, journalist Ulviyya Guliyeva (Ali) was detained in May 2025, and photojournalist Ahmad Mukhtar was detained in August 2025.
These journalists have been charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan (“smuggling of foreign currency”), a provision that has been repeatedly used to silence independent media outlets and journalists in Azerbaijan, including Abzas Media, Toplum TV and Kanal-13.
Detained journalists regularly report being subjected to ill-treatment, including denial of necessary medical care and being held in severely overcrowded cells (15–18 detainees confined to cells designed for eight to 10 people) and unsanitary conditions, including toilets located inside sleeping areas, causing or further contributing to the deterioration of their health.
In a joint appeal, the journalists have called on the diplomatic corps operating in Azerbaijan, in particular the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan and the embassies of the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and France to attend and monitor proceedings before the Baku Court of Grave Crimes. They state that their right to defence is undermined by the absence of independent media and the lack of public oversight and visual coverage of the trial.
Reported allegations of abuse in detention must be subject to a prompt, independent and impartial investigation.
WE CALL ON THE AZERBAIJANI AUTHORITIES:
- to ensure the immediate safety and protection of Aytaj Tapdig, Aysel Umudova and Khayala Aghayeva;
- to conduct a prompt, thorough and independent investigation into the allegations of ill-treatment and hold those responsible to account;
- to release the journalists arrested in relation to Meydan TV.