The Meydan TV case in Azerbaijan continued on March 16, 2026, at the Baku Court for Grave Crimes. Judge Ayten Aliyeva presided over the seventh hearing involving journalists Aytaj Tapdig, Khayala Agayeva, and Aysel Umudova, who claimed to have been forcibly brought to court. The journalists stated they had declined to resist and remained in the courtroom waiting room until their demand for access to their lawyers was met.
Despite this, they entered wearing house slippers and pyjamas as a protest. Tensions remained high between the defendants and the judges. Lawyer Zibeyda Sadygova requested the defendants be allowed to sit near their legal representatives, a request granted by the judge.
However, defense counsel Nazim Musayev challenged the court’s procedures, seeking to recuse the panel and requesting a break to submit a formal motion. Judge Aliyeva refused, halting the proceedings. Meydan TV editor-in-chief Aynur Elgunes delivered a statement, asserting she and twelve others were falsely accused under seven criminal code articles, highlighting a year-long investigation yielding voluminous, unsupported documentation.
Concerns were raised regarding violations during her detention, including intrusive searches and the handling of financial discrepancies. Elgunes referenced past offers of state housing, stating she would have accepted if her values were for sale. The case, centered around the meydan media outlet, continues to be a significant issue in azerbaijan.
Topics: #meydan #case #azerbaijan
The Meydan TV case in Azerbaijan progressed on March 16, 2026, during a session at the Baku Court for Grave Crimes. Judge Ayten Aliyeva oversaw the seventh hearing concerning journalists Aytaj Tapdig,
The trial concerning Meydan TV in Azerbaijan proceeded on March 16, 2026, before the Baku Court for Serious Crimes. Judge Ayten Aliyeva oversaw the seventh session involving reporters Aytaj Tapdig, Kh