CPJ called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release the head of Kanal 13

Baku/29.11.23/Turan: The New York-based Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release  Aziz Orujev, the director of “Channel 13” Internet Television, from custody and to drop the charge of illegal construction from him, as well as to stop the legal persecution of independent media.

"Following the arrest of three journalists and media employees last week of  the anti-corruption publication "Abzas Media", the Azerbaijani authorities apparently targeted another critical online news platform by arresting Aziz Orujev," said Gulnoza Sayid, representative of the CPJ in Europe and coordinator of programs for Central Asia. "The Azerbaijani authorities should release Orujev, drop the charges against him and stop the repression against the independent press," told Sayid.

This is not the first time Orujev has been jailed. In 2017, the authorities sentenced him to six years in prison on charges of illegal entrepreneurship and abuse of power, which many regarded as retaliation for his journalistic activities. He was released on parole in 2018.

CPJ sent an e-mail to the Baku City Police Headquarters and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan asking for comment on the situation, but did not receive any responses.

Orujev was detained on the evening of January 27. He is accused of unauthorized construction of a house without the right to own and use the land. On November 28, the court arrested him for 2 months. In case of proof of guilt, he faces up to 3 years in prison. —06B-