Tofig Yagublu is a politician, journalist, former deputy chairman of the Musavat Party (2010–2018), and a member of the coordinating center of the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF). Because of his political and journalism activities, he was persecuted several times by the Azerbaijani authorities, including being arrested and sentenced to five years in prison for participating in anti-government protests. In November 2015, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Azerbaijan violated international law by imprisoning Yagublu. He was pardoned several months later. In 2020, he was charged with hooliganism and sentenced to four years and three months in prison. In 2021, he was allegedly beaten in police custody. He was also subjected to several administrative arrests and persecution. 

On December 14, 2023, the Narimanov District Police Department arrested Yagublu when he exited the subway in central Baku under charges of fraud, causing a large amount of damage and forgery of official documents. The police also searched his house. According to his wife, police found 5,000 euros, 2,500 manats [about $1,500], and some US dollars in the house, which the family denies having. The Narimanov Court in Baku remanded Yagublu for four months of pre-trial detention.

On April 6, 2024, the Baku City Court prolonged his pre-trial detention for an additional two months. This was subsequently extended until July 1, 2024.

On June 11, 2024, the Baku Court of Serious Crimes began hearings in the criminal case against Yagublu. At the June 21, 2024, trial hearing, Yagublu stated he feared being killed by the Azerbaijani authorities.