For what reason was the director of "Channel 13" Aziz Orujev detained?

Baku/28.11.23/Turan:  Aziz Orujev, the executive director of Internet television "Channel 13," was arrested after a search of his apartment and media office on Monday. The arrest is reportedly related to accusations of unauthorized construction, specifically under Article 188.2 of the Criminal Code. Orujev's lawyer, Bahruz Bayramov, clarified that Orujev had purchased a plot of land to build a house, a common practice in the area.

Bayramov emphasized that Orujev does not own a house but lives with relatives. The lawyer questioned the authorities' focus on Orujev, given the prevalence of unauthorized constructions in the region. The search extended to both Orujev's residence and his office, leading to suspicions that the arrest is linked to his journalistic activities.

Anar Orujev, Aziz Orujev's brother residing in Germany, spoke about the incident on the program "Difficult Question," suggesting that the arrest was motivated by Aziz Orujev's journalistic work. Anar Orujev pointed out that the search included the seizure of computers, mobile phones, and office equipment, indicating a connection to Orujev's journalistic endeavors.

The Channel 13 head's brother argued that if the issue were genuinely about unauthorized construction, the authorities could have taken alternative measures such as demolition, fines, or warnings. Anar Orujev emphasized that Channel 13 operates independently, focusing on national interest issues, including rights violations of war veterans, citizen grievances against government bodies, and critical coverage of law enforcement actions.

"We did not agree to become the mouthpiece of the authorities," stated Anar Orujev, highlighting the channel's commitment to unbiased reporting. Channel 13 diverged from the stance of many international structures during the 44-day war and the one-day military operation on September 19, actively covering Azerbaijan's struggle for territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Anar Orujev expressed concerns about an ongoing crackdown on independent media and civil society. He suggested that the authorities aim to assert dominance in the post-war period by targeting journalists and activists. Despite claims that the war is over, Anar Orujev believes the internal front against journalists and activists indicates a sustained effort to control narratives and limit dissent.