International media groups condemn prison sentences for Toplum TV staff in Azerbaijan

International media rights watchdogs have strongly criticized lengthy prison sentences handed down to employees of Azerbaijan's independent outlet Toplum TV. Statements issued by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the International Press Institute (IPI), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) denounced the judicial proceedings as politically motivated.

The organizations described the convictions as part of an ongoing campaign by Azerbaijani authorities to suppress independent journalism. Calling the trial unjust, the media groups demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the jailed media workers, arguing that journalists should never face imprisonment for performing their professional duties.

Sources: Meydan TV.