In the most recent urgent action letter, the TRU Students’ Union wrote to President Ilham Aliyev urging the immediate and unconditional release of 12 jailed journalists, an end to reprisals against independent media, and access to urgent medical care for those whose health is deteriorating in detention.
“Writing this letter is about using my voice to support people who are being punished for simply telling the truth,” said Apoorv Chowdhury, TRUSU LGBTQ+ Representative. “Advocacy like this reminds me that even from where we are, we can stand in solidarity with journalists who are risking everything to uphold freedom of expression.”
At least three of the 12 journalists detained in connection with Meydan TV are currently in dire health and are being denied necessary medical treatment. Shamshad Agha suffers from a gastric ulcer, Aynur Ganbarova requires physiotherapy following major surgery, and Ulviyya Guliyeva needs weekly injections for a chronic illness. The situation escalated on March 9 when journalist Fatima Movlamli began a hunger strike in protest of a ban on family visits, after which prison officials reportedly removed all food from her cell. These conditions raise serious concerns about the treatment of detainees and the denial of basic medical care.
The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan that has intensified since late 2023. Nearly 30 journalists have been arbitrarily detained on charges widely considered to be politically motivated. Reports from detainees, including female journalists, have highlighted instances of physical and psychological violence during detention. This pattern reflects a growing suppression of press freedom and the targeting of individuals exercising their right to freedom of expression.
“When people are imprisoned for doing their jobs and denied the care they need to survive, it shows how far authorities are willing to go to silence dissent,” said Chowdhury. “No one should have to risk their life for speaking the truth, and it’s critical that these violations are addressed immediately.”
We called on Azerbaijani authorities to uphold their human rights obligations by ensuring the release of these journalists and protecting freedom of expression.
We await a response from President Ilham Aliyev on this urgent matter.
For more Information
The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.