January 16, 2025 - Azerbaijan, Baku

Voice of America reporter Ulviyya Ali has been banned from travel after police interrogation over the MeydanTV case—despite having no ties to the outlet. Authorities questioned her about Meydan TV staff, then imposed restrictions.

In December, several Meydan TV journalists were arrested, facing charges of smuggling foreign currency. The journalists deny the charges, asserting that it is retaliation for their journalistic work. At least 18 journalists—including 7 women—are currently behind bars, making Azerbaijan one of the worst jailers of journalists globally.

Women Press Freedom condemns this blatant harassment of Ali and the continued persecution of independent journalists. We demand authorities end the investigation, lift the travel ban, and stop repressing the press.