The Nine
Meet the Journalists
Three from Abzas Media, whose sentences became final in April 2026. Four from Meydan TV and two independent freelancers, still on trial.
Abzas Media
Sentences final — Supreme Court, 3 April 2026
Sentence Final · 9 Yrs
Sevinj Vagifgizi
Editor-in-Chief
Returned to Azerbaijan knowing she'd be arrested. Led corruption investigations targeting the President's inner circle. Awarded the 2025 Anna Politkovskaya–Arman Soldin Courage in Journalism Award. Sentence made final by the Supreme Court in April 2026.
Sentence Final · 8 Yrs
Nargiz Absalamova
Reporter
Investigative reporter known for on-the-ground coverage. Summoned as a witness — and immediately detained as a suspect. Continues investigative journalism from prison, exposing corruption within the penitentiary system itself.
Sentence Final · 8 Yrs
Elnara Gasimova
Reporter
Summoned to police as a “witness” and immediately detained. Told judges: “You followed unlawful orders. That makes you no different from those who gave them.”
Meydan TV
On Trial — Baku Court of Grave Crimes
On Trial
Aynur Elgunesh
Editor-in-Chief, Meydan TV
Physically disabled journalist and veteran editor. Beaten during her arrest despite her disability. Wrote from prison that Azerbaijan is “turning into a swamp.”
On Trial
Aytaj Ahmadova (Tapdig)
Reporter
Confronted prosecutors in court: “Under the guise of a smuggling case, you are actually talking about Meydan TV.” Reports physical violence in detention.
On Trial
Aysel Umudova
Reporter
Her letter about sexual harassment during arrest prompted a joint statement from 9 international organizations demanding investigation.
On Trial
Khayala Aghayeva
Reporter & Women's Rights Activist
Joined Meydan TV at age 18. Arrested at 27. Appeared in court in pyjamas in protest. Reports physical violence in detention.
Independent / Freelance
On Trial
On Trial
Fatima Movlamli
Independent Journalist
Azerbaijan's youngest imprisoned journalist (born 2000). Pre-recorded a defiant video before her inevitable arrest. Told the court in July 2026 that the order to arrest her came from the president.
On Trial
Ulviyya Guliyeva (Ali)
Independent Journalist
Among the last prominent independent journalists still working inside Azerbaijan at the time of her arrest. Beaten and threatened with sexual violence during arrest. Raised handcuffed wrists declaring: “The hands of the media are shackled!”