Khayala Aghayeva has reported for Meydan TV since 2015, documenting how political decisions and social problems affect communities across Azerbaijan. Her coverage includes electoral violations, corruption and public demonstrations, providing a platform for citizens to raise concerns about abuses of power. Alongside journalism, she has participated in women’s rights initiatives, including International Women’s Day demonstrations.

Her reporting has frequently brought her into conflict with the authorities. In 2019, she was detained while working outside the Presidential Administration and while covering an opposition protest. In November 2024, security personnel detained her and removed her from a venue where she was reporting on an animal-rights protest during COP29.

Aghayeva was arrested on 6 December 2024 in connection with the “Meydan TV case”. The authorities expanded the accusations against her on 28 August 2025. She remains in detention as proceedings against her and her co-defendants continue before the Baku Grave Crimes Court.

She was charged with multiple offences, including money laundering, tax evasion, and other alleged financial and economic offences. She and her 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 media. International organisations recognise her as a political prisoner.