Baku: The trial of the criminal case concerning the "Meydan" TV case has commenced, reports APA. Today, in a session held at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes, the accused were present alongside their legal representatives, with Judge Ayten Aliyeva presiding over the proceedings.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Lawyer Zibeyda Sadygova submitted a motion seeking permission to film the trial, citing public interest. However, the court did not grant this motion. Additionally, it was noted that Aynur Elgunesh's disability pension card and IDP card had not been returned by the preliminary investigation. A motion was filed to request an inquiry be sent to the investigative authority managing the case. The court approved this motion and confirmed that an official request would be dispatched to the investigative body.

Following these developments, the session proceeded with the reading of the indictment. The next hearing is scheduled for January 16.

In December of the previous year, journalists Ramin Deko (Jabrayilzade), Aynur Elgunesh (Gambarova), Aytaj Tapdig (Ahmadova), Natig Javadli, Khayala Aghayeva, Ulvi Tahirov, and Aysel Umudova were detained in relation to the 'Meydan TV' case. Pretrial detention measures were enforced against them. The Baku City Main Police Department charged them under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to smuggling conducted by a group of persons acting in prior conspiracy.

The case saw further developments in February when Arqument.az editor-in-chief Shamshad Agha was arrested, followed by journalists Fatima Movlamli and Nurlan Gahramanli (Libre). In March, journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva) was placed in pretrial detention, and in August, photojournalist Ahmad Mukhtar was also arrested.