Azerbaijan Sentences Online TV Founders, Journalists to Jail The sentencing of seven individuals connected to independent online TV station Toplum TV in Azerbaijan has sent shockwaves through the international community.
On July 27, Akif Gurbanov and Alasgar Mammadli, co founders of Toplum TV, received prison sentences of up to 15 years on charges of financial crimes. Three journalists and four activists were handed similar terms.
The trial's outcome was not unexpected, given Azerbaijan's history of using spurious charges against independent media outlets and their staff.