This week saw continued developments in the crackdown on independent journalists and activists, including uncertainty regarding Jalal Javadov’s whereabouts, the court’s refusal to release Aytac Tapdig on house arrest, further actions by the Media Development Agency to block critical websites.
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Jalal Javadov’s Detention: Family and Lawyer Still Await Answers
It has been nearly a full day without any updates on the whereabouts of young activist Jalal Javadov, who was last in contact with his family on January 30 at around 16:00. Despite rumors circulating that he was detained by the 22nd police department of the Nasimi district, official confirmation has yet to come from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Javadov’s family has not been informed of his location, leading his lawyer to appeal to the Ombudsman’s Office for clarity. Inquiries to the Ministry’s “102” service have also gone unanswered.
Javadov’s detention is believed to be linked to a protest during the municipal elections held on January 29, 2025. A photo of imprisoned Meydan TV employees was reportedly thrown into a ballot box at one of the polling stations, a protest against election fraud and the imprisonment of independent journalists. Javadov is thought to have been involved in the act, but no official statement has been made regarding his detention.
Court Rejects Aytac Tapdig’s Appeal for House Arrest
The Baku Court of Appeal has rejected the request of journalist Aytac Tapdig, who sought house arrest following her arrest in the “Meydan TV case.” Tapdig, who has worked with Meydan TV for over 10 years, maintains that her arrest is a direct consequence of her journalistic activities, particularly her investigations into corruption and abuse of power.
“I am a journalist, not a smuggler; the real smugglers are those at the top of this state,” Tapdig said during the court hearing. Despite her argument, the court sided with the prosecution, fearing she might evade investigation. The defense has announced plans to challenge this decision at the European Court of Human Rights, claiming her detention violates international human rights law.
Media Development Agency Requests Another Website Block
The Media Development Agency (MEDIA) has filed another petition to block a critical website in Azerbaijan. The Ganja Court of Appeal has been asked to halt the activities of the “Anaxeber.info” website, which is known for publishing critical content on government corruption and abuses of power. The editor-in-chief of the website, Azar Taiıbov, believes this move is directly related to the site’s editorial stance.
Talibov claims that the website has been targeted due to its reporting on social and political issues that challenge the government. The petition comes amid a broader crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan, where several websites, including “dia.az” and “teref.info,” have already been blocked. Despite criticism from media experts and organizations, the Media Development Agency insists that these actions are in accordance with the law, though critics argue the law infringes on freedom of expression.
The post Friday Wrap-up: Jalal Javadov’s Detention Remains Unresolved, Court Rejects Aytac Tapdig’s Appeal, and Media Development Agency Requests Another Website Block appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.
