National coalitions in the field of transparency condemned the arrest of Aziz Orujev, Director of Channel 13

In response to the recent detention of Aziz Orujev, director of the independent Internet TV “Channel 13” and a member of the Council of the National Coalitions of Azerbaijan "To increase transparency in the Extractive industry" and "Reveal how much you paid" (ÖdǝDiyini Açıqla), both coalitions strongly condemn the arrest of Council member Aziz Orujev and Rufat Muradli, colleagues in “Channel 13.”

A joint statement reads that  the coalition considers these detentions as related to their independent and critical role in the media. The Coalition expresses deep concern and emphasizes that the searches, especially in the presence of Orujev's children, and the subsequent actions in his office violate the principles of public administration and ethical behavior, representing a serious violation of moral norms.

This action by the Government is considered a flagrant violation of the Article 25 of the Constitution of Azerbaijan and Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits discrimination. The Coalition notes that the arrest of Aziz Orujev under this Article raises serious questions, especially in light of the numerous unregistered land developments in Baku and the Absheron district authorized by the executive and municipal authorities.

Both coalitions share the concerns expressed by the country's public and international organizations in connection with these recent arrests. The coalition calls for a thorough study of the circumstances of Orujev's detention and calls for respect for freedom of the press and expression in Azerbaijan.

On November 28, 2023, Aziz Orujev was arrested by the police, and a search was conducted at his place of residence, as a result of which various items were confiscated, including laptops, unused phones and documents. The next day, Orujev was charged under the Article 188.2 of the Criminal Code (violation of the right to own, use or lease land) during a court hearing in the Sabail District Court, which led to imprisonment for a period of 3 months. Orujev denies these charges, linking his arrest to his media and public activities.