The persecution of journalists continues in Azerbaijan. According to the latest information, the Baku court has detained Meydan TV journalists Aynur Elgunesh, Aytaj Tapdyg, Natig Javadli, Khayal Aghaev and independent journalist Ramin Deko for 4 months. Meydan TV photojournalist Ahmed Mukhtar was also arrested for 20 days.
All of them were accused of smuggling. The journalists denied the accusations and linked the criminal case to their professional activities.
The arrests of the press workers caused the indignation of British Ambassador Fergus Auld, he wrote on his page.
"I am deeply sorry for the arrests of journalists working at Meydan TV. A free and independent press is an important part of any democracy. Journalists should be able to cover issues without fear of arrest, intimidation or violence."
