human rights defender

Natig Javadli

Actions and Campaigns

© Voice of America

Urgent support needed

International monitoring of prison conditions

Organization affiliation

  • Meydan TV

HRD's year of birth

1971

HRD's Gender

Man

Type of HRD

  • Journalist/Blogger

HRD's thematic area of engagement

  • Civil and political rights

HRD's geographical origin

Urban

HRD's bio and work

Natig Javadli has spent more than thirty years working in Azerbaijan’s independent press. Through his contributions to Bizim Yol newspaper and Meydan TV, he has examined government policies, political developments and the protection of fundamental freedoms. Interviews form an important part of his work, creating space for debate on public affairs and scrutiny of those in power.

Javadli was taken into custody on 6 December 2024 during the police operation targeting Meydan TV journalists. Two days later, the Khatai District Court ordered his pretrial detention. The authorities brought additional accusations against him on 28 August 2025. He remains detained as his trial alongside the other defendants in the “Meydan TV case” continues before the Baku Grave Crimes Court.

He was charged with multiple offences, including money laundering, tax evasion, and other alleged financial and economic offences. He and his co-defendants have consistently rejected all charges, maintaining that the criminal proceedings against them are politically motivated and linked to their legitimate and professional works within civil society. International organisations recognise him as a political prisoner.

Current Status

In prison (pre-trial)

Detained since

Dec 6, 2024

Charge(s)

  • Financial crimes

Geolocation of detention

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

  • Asia: Western Asia

Location of detention - City/Town

Baku

Location of detention - Facility

Baku Pre-Trial Detention Centre

Allegations / reports of ill-treatment

Following his arrest on 6 December 2024, Natig Javadli was reportedly held overnight and interrogated without a lawyer. His lawyer also reported psychological pressure during his initial detention. At a hearing on 2 April 2025, Javadli complained that he had been kept handcuffed and without food or water from approximately 8 a.m. until the evening after being brought to the Khatai District Court.

Recent case update / evolution

On 12 October 2026, witnesses were questioned before the Baku Grave Crimes Court in the “Meydan TV case”, in which Natig Javadli is a defendant. The trial remains ongoing.

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