CPJ called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release journalist Rufat Muradli

The Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) has called on Azerbaijani authorities to release journalist Rufat Muradli and cease repressive actions against the independent press, highlighting concerns over a trend of arrests targeting media professionals.

CPJ Program Director Carlos Martinez de la Serna expressed alarm over Muradli's arrest, the sixth instance in less than two weeks. The journalist, known for his role as the host of the popular online broadcaster Kanal 13, was detained in Baku on December 2 on charges of disorderly conduct and disobeying police orders. Subsequently, the Khatai District Court of Baku sentenced Muradli to 30 days of arrest based on these charges.

The arrest of Muradli followed the detention of Aziz Orujev, director of Channel 13, on November 28, on charges of illegal construction, reportedly in retaliation for his journalistic activities. The CPJ notes a pattern of repression against independent media, including the recent arrests of four employees of the anti-corruption agency Abzas Media, engaged in investigative journalism since November 20.

The situation extends beyond Baku, as reported by CPJ. In the city of Lankaran, southwestern Azerbaijan, freelance reporters Shahla Karim and Aytaj Mammadli, were detained by police during street interviews on Monday. The police cited the absence of press credentials as grounds for their detention. The CPJ has reported that the police deleted video footage from Mammadli's phone and attempted to erase recordings from Karim's camera memory card.

The CPJ has reached out to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice via email, seeking comment on the situation, but as of now, no responses have been received. The CPJ's appeal underscores the critical importance of safeguarding press freedom and protecting journalists against arbitrary detention and harassment.