The family of journalist Ulviya Ali has reported a threat to her safety in the pre-trial detention center.

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In the cell where journalist Ulviya Ali is located, they placed a woman accused of murdering her husband, who allegedly did not undergo medical and psychological examinations. The journalist and her relatives believe that this is an attempt to pressure her.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", in February, Ulviya Ali faced threats against her relatives in Baku's pre-trial detention center No. 1 after AI-generated audio recordings about the pressure on her in the detention center and during the trial were published on social media. At the end of April, Ulviya Ali complained about the lack of quality medical assistance in the detention center.

The family of the arrested journalist Ulviya Ali is worried about her safety. According to the journalist's mother, Ilhama Mehmanly, a woman accused of murdering her husband was placed in the cell with her daughter. "Last Saturday, a woman accused of murdering her husband was placed in Ulviya's cell," Ilhama Mehmanly told the correspondent of the "Caucasian Knot" on August 28.

Ulviya told me that this woman is still in an emotional state, affected by what happened.

According to her, contrary to established rules that require those admitted to the detention center to undergo medical and psychological examinations, this woman did not undergo such examinations. "This woman told Ulviya how everything happened and how she killed her husband. Ulviya told me that this woman is still in an emotional state, affected by what happened," Mehmanly continued.

She noted that the journalist had approached the detention center management with a request to transfer her to another cell, but was told that the chief was on vacation and such a decision could not be made in his absence.

Mehmanly reported that she sent a complaint to the ombudsman and is awaiting a response. According to her, she was unable to reach the Penitentiary Service. "No one answers my calls at the Penitentiary Service," the journalist's mother added.

Mehmanly believes that what happened is not accidental and may be related to attempts to pressure her daughter. "On August 28, we spoke with Ulviya again. She reported that she is still in the same cell with this woman. Ulviya believes that this woman was intentionally placed in her cell as retaliation for her protests against the violation of her rights," Mehmanly said.

The authorities will be responsible for any incident that may happen to me.

Moreover, the journalist believes that she is being punished for preparing an interview in the detention center with arrested Talysh researcher Iqbal Abilov. "These actions are punishing me for the interview with Iqbal Abilov and for my protest regarding the non-functioning ventilation system in the Baku detention center. Overall, I face biased treatment due to the articles I write in prison and the protests I organize. A few months ago, a person who harmed himself was also placed in my cell. The authorities will be responsible for any incident that may happen to me," Mehmanly quoted her daughter as saying.

Commenting on the situation surrounding Ulviya Ali in the detention center at the request of the correspondent of the "Caucasian Knot", a legal expert noted that, according to paragraph 5.1 of the "Internal Regulations of Pre-Trial Detention Centers", a psychologist and a medical worker must be present when a person is admitted to a pre-trial detention center. Furthermore, according to paragraph 27.2, individuals admitted to the detention center within 24 hours must undergo medical and psychological examinations. "If during the examination it is established that a person may pose a danger to their own life or the lives of others, then based on the medical conclusion, in accordance with paragraph 5.11.9 of the Internal Regulations, they must be isolated from other individuals. Moreover, according to paragraph 38.1, in case of a threat to the life or health of a person from another prisoner, their safety must be ensured based on their verbal request. And according to paragraph 1.3 of the Regulations, ensuring the regime and safety is the responsibility not only of the head of the institution but also of the staff of the pre-trial detention center. The absence of the head of the institution at work or their being on vacation cannot serve as a basis for not taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety of the detainee," said the lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous.

It was not possible to obtain a comment from the Penitentiary Service regarding the situation.

The Meydan TV case was initiated in December 2024, when six journalists were detained and then arrested on charges of currency smuggling. They linked the criminal case to their professional activities. By August 2025, 11 people had been arrested in the Meydan TV case.. At the end of August, it became known that the investigation was completed, and a 12th suspect appeared in the case, photojournalist Ahmed Mukhtar. At the same time, the arrested journalists were charged with new accusations under seven more criminal articles.