Farid Ismayilov is an Azerbaijani journalist whose reporting has focused on social problems, governance, corruption and human rights violations. His work has highlighted the concerns of communities that receive limited coverage in state-controlled media.

On 6 March 2024, Ismayilov was detained during the crackdown on Toplum TV and subsequently released under police supervision. On 17 January 2025, he was remanded in custody in connection with the same proceedings.

On 27 July 2026, the Baku Grave Crimes Court sentenced him to 12 years’ imprisonment and imposed a two-and-a-half-year ban on holding certain positions. He has appealed the verdict.

He was convicted on multiple criminal charges, 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 professional activities in the media. International organisations recognise him as a political prisoner.