**_Shamshad Aga responds to article about him_**
**Shamshad Aga, the editor-in-chief of the website _Arqument.az_, who is currently under arrest, has responded to an article [published](https://apa.az/media/meydan-tv-isi-ile-bagli-yeni-faktlar-melum-olub-semsad-agayev-meydan-tvnin-yeni-rehberi-imis-888089) by _APA_ on February 11 about him.**
In the published letter, Shamshad Aga calls the accusations in the article “slander.”
_“Such absurd and laughable claims can only be invented in Azerbaijan,”_ the journalist comments on his portrayal by _APA_as the new leader of _Meydan TV_.
Regarding the photographs published in the _APA_ article, which show him with Azerbaijani journalists living in Europe, the journalist states that they cannot be used as evidence against him.
_“Three years ago, I was studying abroad. The photos circulated by government media, presented as facts, are also from that training. Some of these photos I also posted on my social media account. It’s as if they’ve ‘rediscovered America.'”_
Shamshad Aga added that, while he was free, he considered supporting arrested journalists “a matter of conscience.”
_“After the arrest of Meydan TV staff, I openly supported them and defended their rights. These articles were also published on the Arqument.az website, which I lead. The ‘toplumchular’, ‘abzaschılar’, and ‘meydanchılar’ are the voice of truth in this country, the voice of the people, and supporting them is a matter of conscience.”_
Shamshad Aga reiterated that he is innocent and was arrested for his professional activities.
_“Our arrest and this wave of systematic repression are a political decision. No lies or manipulations can change the political motive behind these arrests. Freedom of speech is sacred and will prevail! I demand freedom for all my innocent friends and colleagues!”_
On February 6, the Khatai District Court imposed a two-month and one-day arrest on journalist Shamshad Aga, who was arrested in connection with the _Meydan TV_ case.
The journalist has been charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling committed by a group of people by prior agreement).
He was detained by the police on February 5 at around 2 a.m., and a search was conducted at his home. As a result of the search, phones, a computer, his press card, and memory cards belonging to the journalist and his family members were seized.
On July 5 of the previous year, Shamshad Aga was also questioned as a witness in the _Toplum TV_ case. The journalist was the host of the program “Debates in Society,” which aired on _Toplum TV_.
After this questioning, he was banned from leaving the country.