Aysel Umudova reports for Meydan TV, using video journalism to document public demonstrations, electoral violations and the problems citizens encounter when seeking to defend their rights. Her reporting brings first-hand accounts of politically sensitive events to audiences with limited access to independent information. Before her current arrest, she had experienced police interference and violence while covering protests and elections.

On 6 December 2024, Umudova was detained at the Qalaalti resort in Shabran and taken to Baku as part of the investigation targeting Meydan TV journalists. On 8 December, the Khatai District Court ordered her pretrial detention. The authorities expanded the accusations against her on 28 August 2025. She remains in custody while proceedings against her and the other 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.