During the investigation related to the cases of Tolum TV, Abzas Media, and others, interesting facts are emerging.
The Role of Western Funds and Financial Support
According to information obtained by APA, the confessions of detained individuals indicate that projects such as Tolum TV, Abzas Media, Fakt Yoxla (Fact Check), lll Respublika Platforması (III Republic Platform), and similar initiatives were created directly at the request of Western funds.
The financial support for these projects was provided by Western funds through various methods. Matters related to workforce recruitment and the organization of operations on the ground were handled by local executors in the country.
Who Led These Projects?
In Azerbaijan, all these projects were directly overseen by the head of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives, Akif Gurbanov. He provided overall leadership for these structures. For instance, although Tolum TV was founded by Alasgar Mammadli, its actual management was carried out by Akif Gurbanov. This was because Akif Gurbanov was the key figure in liaising with foreign coordinators and handling financial and organizational matters.
Akif Gurbanov’s Role and Coordination Activities
From 2019 to 2023, Akif Gurbanov personally selected employees for these projects. He organized free training sessions in journalism, law, project management, and other fields for selected participants. Later, these trainees were assigned to work at organizations such as Tolum TV, Abzas Media, Fakt Yoxla, as well as “Azadlıq” and “Voice of America” radio stations. Each mentor conducting the training sessions was paid 200 AZN per session.
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