Aziz Orujov's accusation of smuggling, blocking on Channel 13...

Baku/22.12.23/Turan: On November 27, Aziz Orujov, the executive director of Channel 13 YouTube television in Azerbaijan, found himself entangled in a web of legal complexities, raising concerns over the suppression of press freedom in the country. Charged initially under Article 188.2 for alleged unauthorized construction or installation work, the situation escalated on December 19 with additional charges under Article 206.3.2, accusing him of smuggling by a group of persons by prior agreement.

Compounding the legal woes, the bank accounts of Aziz Orujov's family members, including his wife Lamia Orujova and his mother's pension card, were reportedly seized, eliciting allegations of an orchestrated campaign to stifle dissent. The Ministry of Internal Affairs swiftly sought a court order to block access to Channel 13, a move that was granted, effectively silencing the independent media outlet.

Anar Orujov, a presenter at Channel 13 currently residing in Germany, weighed in on the unfolding events in the program "Difficult Question." He contends that the blocking of Aziz Orujov's mother's pension card and the channel itself serves as evidence that the charges against him are baseless, arguing that the persecution is politically motivated with the primary objective of dismantling Channel 13.

Referring to the smuggling charges, Anar Orujov clarified that the allegations revolve around modest loans extended to individuals purchasing used cars in Germany for resale in Azerbaijan. Financial transactions were transparent, involving small amounts and were intended to be repaid to Aziz Orujov's family members in Azerbaijan. The amounts, he argued, are not subject to declaration, challenging the validity of the accusations.

The decision to block pension cards of the family members of targeted journalists, Anar Orujov asserted, defies legal logic, as these cards are limited to payment transactions only. He contended that the criminal prosecution of journalists and the violation of their families' rights, including economic coercion leading to potential poverty and hunger, are integral components of the government's offensive against independent media.

The situation surrounding Aziz Orujov exemplifies a wider trend of press freedom challenges in Azerbaijan, raising concerns about the curtailment of independent media outlets and the broader implications for free expression and dissent within the country.