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The Khatai District Court, under Judge Sülhanə Hacıyeva, denied a motion for house arrest for Ələsgər Məmmədli, co-founder of Toplum TV, lawyer, and media expert. This decision occurred despite Məmmədli's claims of innocence and severe health issues requiring urgent surgery.
Məmmədli, who was arrested on March 8, 2024, as part of the "Toplum TV case," maintains that there is no factual basis for his continued detention. He stated during the March 18, 2025 court session that the investigation and familiarization with the case have concluded, and witness testimonies support his innocence. He criticized the court's actions, stating, "Such an intolerable attitude towards laws and justice is unacceptable on behalf of the state." He further emphasized that the Ombudsman has criticized the issuance of detention orders when alternative punishments are available.
Məmmədli also reported filing a 35-page complaint against Judge Hacıyeva with the Judicial-Legal Council, accusing her of violating the law. He presented medical documents from the Penitentiary Service, detailing his serious health problems and the urgent need for surgical intervention. He questioned why, as a person with public status and a well-known lawyer, he should remain imprisoned for an act he did not commit.
In a statement issued on March 9, 2024, through his brother Nəsimi Məmmədli, Məmmədli addressed the public, state institutions, and international organizations, asserting his detention was unlawful. He refused to testify during the 11-month investigation. He addressed the charges against him, which include:
Article 162-1.1 (engaging workers without a legal contract): He denied involvement in hiring processes at Toplum TV.
Articles 192.3.2 and 193-1.3.2 (illegal entrepreneurship and money laundering): He presented evidence of his 18 years as a registered sole proprietor, regular tax payments, and the legitimate origin of his assets. He refuted allegations of purchasing vehicles and laptops with illegally obtained funds, stating they were acquired with his lawful income.
Tax evasion and smuggling: He denied these allegations, stating the 7,300 euros found in his house were planted by police. He also clarified that he worked through service contracts with various organizations, including state institutions and international entities, with all contracts legally documented and taxed.
Məmmədli highlighted his high earnings from international organizations, contrasting them with the limited assets he and his family acquired. He questioned the accountability of those accusing him, some of whom own vast properties despite paying minimal taxes.
The "Toplum TV case" began on March 6, 2024, when police raided the Toplum TV office and other related locations. Initially charged with smuggling under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code, the charges against Məmmədli and nine others were later aggravated on January 17, 2025, to include additional charges such as illegal entrepreneurship, money laundering, and tax evasion.
The individuals detained in the Toplum TV case, including journalists Müşfiq Cabbar, Şahnaz Bəylərqızı, and Fərid İsmayılov, head of the “Institute for Democratic Initiatives” Akif Qurbanov, employees Əli Zeynalov and İlkin Əmrahov, and member of the "III Republic Platform" founding council Ruslan İzzətli, deny all accusations, claiming they are politically motivated.
Despite international calls to end the crackdown on journalists and activists, Azerbaijani officials maintain that freedom of speech and the press are fully ensured. However, local human rights organizations report over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan. The 2024 Global Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders ranks Azerbaijan 164th out of 180 countries.
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