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March 19, 2026 – Azerbaijan –
An Azerbaijani court has sentenced journalist and activist Ahmad Mammadli to six years in prison, a ruling that has drawn strong criticism from international press freedom organizations and renewed concerns about the country’s ongoing crackdown on independent media.
Mammadli, the head of the online platform Yoldash Media, was convicted on charges related to alleged violent conduct, including claims that he stabbed an individual during a dispute. Authorities have maintained that the case is a criminal matter unrelated to his professional work. However, Mammadli and his supporters have firmly rejected the обвинения, arguing that the charges are fabricated and linked to his journalism and activism.
According to reports, Mammadli alleged that he was subjected to physical abuse while in custody, raising additional concerns about his treatment during detention. His legal team and rights groups have pointed to inconsistencies in the case, asserting that due process was not followed and that the prosecution lacked credible evidence.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other advocacy organizations have condemned the sentence, calling for Mammadli’s immediate release. They argue that the case reflects a broader pattern in Azerbaijan, where journalists and critics of the government are frequently prosecuted under criminal charges widely viewed as politically motivated.
Mammadli’s conviction comes amid a sustained campaign against independent media in Azerbaijan. In recent years, authorities have shut down or forced into exile several major outlets, while numerous journalists have been arrested, detained, or sentenced on charges ranging from financial crimes to drug offenses. Press freedom groups say these actions are part of a systematic effort to silence dissent and control the flow of information.
The case has also highlighted the shrinking space for independent journalism within the country. With many outlets no longer able to operate freely, remaining journalists face increasing risks, including surveillance, harassment, and imprisonment. Critics warn that such conditions severely undermine the public’s access to reliable and independent reporting.
International observers have urged Azerbaijani authorities to uphold their commitments to press freedom and ensure that journalists can operate without fear of retaliation. As calls for accountability grow, Mammadli’s case stands as a stark example of the challenges facing media workers in restrictive environments.
Reference –
https://oc-media.org/azerbaijani-journalist-ahmad-mammadli-sentenced-to-six-years-in-prison/
Azerbaijani journalist Ahmad Mammadli sentenced to 6 years in prison
