Azerbaijani lawyer Aslan Ismayilov has publicly called on the authorities to pardon journalists linked to Meydan TV and Toplum TV, describing them as young professionals who, in his view, do not pose a threat to the state and should not remain behind bars.
Ismayilov’s remarks came amid renewed discussion of a potential presidential pardon and a parliamentary draft resolution on amnesty tied to Azerbaijan’s declared “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty.”
“I do not believe that any of these journalists committed treason,” Ismayilov said in a public statement. While acknowledging that mistakes may have been made, he argued that the journalists in question are committed to Azerbaijan’s future and should be treated within a humanitarian framework.
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Background of the cases
Journalists associated with Meydan TV and Toplum TV have faced prosecution in recent years on non-violent economic charges, including allegations related to financial and customs violations. Azerbaijani authorities maintain that these cases are unrelated to journalism and are based solely on alleged legal infractions.
Supporters of the journalists, including colleagues and rights advocates, dispute this interpretation. They argue that the charges were politically motivated and used to pressure independent media voices critical of the government. None of the cases involved accusations of terrorism, espionage or violent activity.
Neither Meydan TV nor Toplum TV has been formally designated as an extremist or banned organization under Azerbaijani law. The prosecutions have focused on individuals rather than the outlets themselves.
A humanitarian appeal
Ismayilov emphasized that many of the journalists are young, including women, and said their continued imprisonment serves no constructive purpose.
His appeal coincides with parliamentary discussions of an amnesty proposal initiated by President Ilham Aliyev, which would apply to a wide range of convicted individuals – excluding those convicted of serious or especially serious crimes.
Under the draft framework, amnesty could extend to women, minors at the time of offense, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, war veterans, and other socially protected categories.
Why the statement matters
While Ismayilov does not represent the journalists in question, his public intervention has drawn attention because of his standing as a well-known legal figure inside Azerbaijan. Observers say such statements resonate beyond activist circles and help frame the issue in legal and humanitarian terms rather than political confrontation.
For international readers, the episode serves as a reminder that debates over media freedom in Azerbaijan often unfold not through direct bans, but through individual criminal cases whose motivations remain contested.
No final decision on the scope or timing of a presidential pardon has been announced.
