Ramil Babayev is an animal rights advocate and vegan. In the past, he protested the treatment of dogs at the Toplan Care for Homeless Dogs Center and was subjected to police brutality. Before his arrest, Babayev served as a Project Coordinator at the Institute of Democratic Initiatives (IDI).

On March 6, 2024, the Baku City Main Police Department raided the shared offices of Toplum TV and IDI. Following the raid, police arrested Babayev, who was at the office at the time, and searched his apartment without a warrant, according to reports. The authorities allegedly discovered 2,300 Euros in Babayev’s flat, claiming he was conspiring to smuggle foreign currency. Babayev denies the charges.

On March 8, 2024, the Khatai District Court of Baku remanded Babayev to four months of pre-trial detention. 

In police custody, Babayev started a hunger strike to protest his arrest. According to sources, he was experiencing low blood pressure problems due to a week-long dry hunger strike. He was forced to eat, experienced police brutality at the detention center, and was subjected to humiliation and mistreatment when brought to court.

On July 3, 2024, the Khatai District Court extended Babayev’s pre-trial detention for three months to October 6, 2024.