Three Meydan TV women journalists and feminist activists – Aytaj Tapdig, Khayala Aghayeva, and Aysel Umudova – who have been held in Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center for over 14 months, have been subjected to physical, psychological, and verbal violence, and threatened with rape.
The incident took place on February 18 at around 12:00 PM. On February 19, the journalists were able to inform the public about what had occurred. They report that approximately ten detention facility staff members, led by deputy director Javid Gulaliyev, entered their cell under the pretext of conducting a search with “camera supervision.” Despite clear legal prohibitions against male officers participating in searches of female detainees, both male and female staff entered the cell.
At the time of entry, Aysel Umudova was in the bathroom, while the others were in sleepwear and not prepared for inspection. The journalists state that they were subjected to invasive searches, physical force, and degrading treatment. Their hands were twisted back which caused severe pain and their heads were forced downward, while getting out of the cell under violent conditions.
In addition, the deputy director of the detention facility, Javid Gulaliyev, stated at them in a sexual manner and said, “my sperm is everywhere,” effectively threatening them with rape. While Aysel Umudova was in the bathroom, male staff broke the door and entered the room. Javid Gulaliyev clenched his teeth, tightened his fist, raised it into the air, and held it close to Aytaj Tapdig’s face, threatening to hit her with a punch.
They further state that the facility’s security cameras reportedly monitored from the office of director Elnur Ismayilov, as well as a body-worn camera attached to one of the staff members who entered the cell for the search, would have recorded the entire incident.
The journalists believe that this violence is linked to their recent courtroom protests regarding violations of their rights. During that court process they criticized President Ilham Aliyev. They consider that similar “searches” and acts of intimidation may repeat before future court processes. Under these conditions, they feel their lives are at risk.
