Meydan TV English

10/06/2026

The trial in the Meydan TV case may be restarted after a full change in the court panel, according to lawyers involved in the proceedings.

Originally, only the presiding judge was expected to be replaced, but all three judges were ultimately changed, with a new panel now led by Judge Zaur Hajiyev alongside Judges Azer Taghiyev and Roman Alekberli. Defense lawyers argue that, under Azerbaijani law, a complete replacement of judges could require the case to be reheard from the beginning, since the new panel would need to fully familiarize itself with the case materials.

The defense team says it will object to any restart and instead request that the judges continue the proceedings after reviewing the case record.

The “Meydan TV case,” which began hearings in December 2025, involves multiple journalists and media workers arrested on charges of alleged smuggling in prior conspiracy. The defendants deny the accusations, saying the case is politically motivated and aimed at pressuring independent journalism in the country.

With hearings repeatedly delayed and the court composition now changed again, uncertainty remains over whether the trial will continue from where it left off—or begin anew.

The composition of the court in the Meydan TV case has been changed.As lawyers told Meydan TV, it was initially planned to replace only the

09/06/2026

Toplum TV Case: Prosecutor requests 13- to 16-year prison sentences for defendants

At the Baku Court for Grave Crimes, the prosecution has requested prison sentences ranging from 13 to 16 years for defendants in the ongoing Toplum TV case. The highest sentences—16 years each—were sought for Akif Gurbanov and Ruslan Izzatli, while other defendants face requests ranging from 13 to 15 years, along with additional penalties such as bans on holding certain positions and confiscation of seized property.

The case, which began in March 2024 following raids on Toplum TV and related organizations, involves multiple journalists and civil society activists facing expanded charges including smuggling, illegal entrepreneurship, and money laundering. The defendants deny the accusations, stating the case is politically motivated and part of broader pressure on independent media in Azerbaijan.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 22.

On June 8, the judicial investigation in the Toplum TV case was concluded at the Baku Court for Grave Crimes.

08/06/2026

Parliamentary elections in Armenia have concluded with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his Civil Contract Party securing 49.81 percent of the vote and retaining a parliamentary majority.

The result allows the ruling party to form a government on its own, although it falls short of the two thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments, meaning future reforms will require broader political agreement.

Voter turnout reached around 60 percent, with four political forces entering parliament including the Strong Armenia Alliance and the Armenia Alliance. Reports of alleged violations have led to investigations by authorities.

International reactions were divided, with support expressed by the European Union and several Western leaders, while Russian officials raised concerns about the electoral process and political pressure.

Key issues ahead for Armenia include constitutional change, peace talks with Azerbaijan, and continued balancing between European and regional partnerships.

Parliamentary elections have concluded in Armenia. According to preliminary results announced by the Central Electoral Commission on June 8,

08/06/2026

Despite political tensions at the parliamentary level, including disputes with the European Parliament and PACE, Baku and Brussels are moving forward with negotiations on a new comprehensive partnership agreement.

The latest talks in Baku show a “dual-track” relationship: sharp disagreements over values and institutions on one side, and growing cooperation on energy, trade, transport connectivity, and regional security on the other.

With most of the draft Partnership Priorities for 2026–2030 already agreed, the key question now is whether remaining trade and political issues can be bridged.

Is this pragmatic cooperation the future of EU–Azerbaijan relations? Read more:

At a time when Azerbaijan has suspended relations with the European Parliament and the dispute over the credentials of the Azerbaijani...

05/06/2026

The global race for rare earth elements is increasingly shaping geopolitical dynamics in the South Caucasus. Armenia recently signed a memorandum with the United States on critical minerals and rare earth extraction, a move experts say reflects both the country's geological potential and Washington’s broader strategic interest in strengthening its presence across key transport, energy, and resource corridors in the region.

Analysts note that Armenia possesses significant reserves of critical minerals, while some Georgian experts argue that Georgia may hold even larger untapped deposits. Although Tbilisi currently has no similar agreement with Washington, observers believe growing global demand for minerals used in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, defense technologies, and renewable energy could bring Georgia into greater focus in the coming years.

Azerbaijan, meanwhile, does not have standalone rare earth deposits, but experts point to the presence of valuable rare elements within existing copper, gold, and polymetallic ore deposits. Ongoing geological research and future development projects could expand opportunities for extracting these materials as byproducts, highlighting the region’s growing importance in the competition for resources critical to the technologies of the future.

Read more:

Armenia's reserves of rare earth elements are quite substantial, but U.S. interest in this sector is also driven by political considerations,

04/06/2026

Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections are shaping up as more than a domestic political contest. They are a geopolitical turning point. At the center is Nikol Pashinyan, whose post 2018 pivot away from Russia has intensified tensions with the Collective Security Treaty Organization and accelerated cooperation with the EU and the US.

Opposing him are fragmented but influential forces, including former president Robert Kocharyan and businessman turned political actor Samvel Karapetyan, alongside church linked movements and Russia oriented elites.

With pressure from Moscow, growing Western engagement, and the unresolved legacy of Karabakh, the vote is increasingly seen as a referendum on Armenia’s geopolitical future and its place between Russia, Europe, and the South Caucasus peace process.

Read more in our analysis:

Only a few days remain until the parliamentary elections in ... Read more

02/06/2026

Meydan TV has been shortlisted for the 2026 International Free Media Pioneer Award by the International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS), alongside leading independent media organizations from around the world.

This nomination recognizes Meydan TV's commitment to citizen journalism, investigative reporting, and the defense of freedom of expression despite unprecedented challenges. While many of its journalists face imprisonment and legal pressure, Meydan TV continues its mission from exile, remaining one of the few independent voices reporting on Azerbaijan.

As Editor-in-Chief Orkhan Mammad noted, this recognition is not only an acknowledgment of professional achievements but also a powerful source of hope and solidarity for journalists who continue their struggle for truth and press freedom.

The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) have announced the shortlist for the 2026 Free Media Pioneer Awa

01/06/2026

Political prisoners currently detained in Azerbaijan have announced the establishment of Political Prisoners’ Day in Azerbaijan.

In a joint statement, they highlighted the ongoing deterioration of human rights, freedoms, political pluralism, independent media, and civil society under the current government. The statement notes that more than 300 political prisoners, including 9 women journalists, are currently being held in Azerbaijan.

To draw attention to this long-standing issue, the detainees have designated November 18 as Political Prisoners’ Day. The date commemorates Faina Kungurova (1974–2007), Azerbaijan’s first female political prisoner, who died in prison while on a hunger strike after being subjected to imprisonment and torture.

The signatories call on the Azerbaijani people and the international community to recognize and observe Political Prisoners’ Day annually beginning on November 18, 2026, and to honor the memory of Faina Kungurova and all those who have suffered for democracy and human rights.

The statement was signed by a group of detainees recognized as political prisoners, including journalists, civil society activists, and opposition figures currently held in detention.

Political prisoners currently in detention have issued a statement announcing the establishment of Political Prisoners’ Day in Azerbaijan.

28/05/2026

“Index on Censorship” has called for a full, independent investigation into the death of ICT expert Ilgar Aliyev, who died while in custody in Azerbaijan. His death has raised serious concerns, with reports and allegations questioning the circumstances surrounding it. Aliyev had been detained in 2023 during a wider crackdown on independent media and denied the charges against him. The organization says the case must be fully and transparently examined.

The international free speech organization “Index on Censorship,” based in the United Kingdom, has issued a statement regarding the death of

19/05/2026

In Azerbaijan, “immoral content” are being banned on social media. Users are already being punished for such content. At the same time, unofficial blacklists of artists are appearing on television, and programs are being shut down. What is the purpose of all this and how is it happening - in our video report.