Toplum TV case trial commenced

Toplum TV journalists and other civil society members were detained during the year-long preliminary investigation into the case. The first preparatory hearing on the “Toplum TV case” was held at the Baku Grave Crimes Court on April 2. Alasgar Mammadli, founder of Toplum TV, recalled during the proceedings that he had serious health problems and requested to be placed under house arrest.

Alasgar Mammadli’s health situation falls into the category of life-threatening illnesses, and the detention of individuals with such illnesses is considered torture and ill-treatment under the European Convention of Human Rights.

Akif Gurbanov, another person arrested in the case, also denied the charges. “If you say that this is a gang and I am the leader of the gang, do I influence others? Then keep me and release everyone,” Akif Gurbanov called on the judge. Journalist Ali Zeynalov, who was arrested in the case, said that if Akif Gurbanov is kept behind the bars, he will stay with him.

On April 24, the Baku Serious Crimes Court began hearings in the “Toplum TV case,” with defendants rejecting smuggling charges and calling the case politically motivated. Akif Qurbanov of the III Republic Platform criticised government-aligned media and President Ilham Aliyev for labelling them “smugglers” without a verdict, violating the presumption of innocence. Judge Azer Tagiyev agreed, stating no one should be called a smuggler without a ruling. Defendant Ruslan Izzatli demanded the state prosecutor Kamran Aliyev testify in court, while his lawyer pointed out procedural irregularities in the arrest. Defendants also challenged the state prosecutor’s impartiality.

The decision to bring Ruslan Izzatli, a founding member of the III Republic Platform and a politician who was arrested in connection with the “Toplum TV case,” to criminal liability was forged.

The next hearing is set for May 5.