Azerbaijan court indicts Toplum TV co-founders in smuggling and tax evasion case

A Baku court has completed the reading of charges against the co-founders of independent media outlet Toplum TV, including Akif Gurbanov, media expert Alesker Ahmedoglu (Mamedli), and political activist Ruslan Izzetli, among others.

According, the charges, they include smuggling, illegal business activity, and tax evasion. Prosecutor Rauf Malyshov read the indictment during the latest session of the Serious Crimes Court. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.

The next court hearing is scheduled for June 30.

The case stems from a police raid in March 2024 at Toplum TV’s office and several other locations. Authorities initially charged the defendants with conspiracy to smuggle goods (Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code), later adding charges under Articles 162-1.1, 192.3.2, 193-1.3.1, 206.4, and 213.2.1.

N.Tebrizli