14:00, 15 June 2017

Court refuses to release journalist Aziz Orudjev from custody

The Nasimi District Court of Baku has not dismissed the defence's request to release Aziz Orudjev, the director of the online "Kanal-13" TV Channel, under house arrest.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Aziz Orudjev, the executive director of the online "Kanal-13" TV Channel was detained on May 2. He was accused of illegal entrepreneur activities and abuse of power. The journalist faces up to seven years of imprisonment.

Aziz Orudjev has become the fourth journalist prosecuted in Azerbaijan over the past four months.

"Aziz Orudjev is charged with economic crimes, and therefore there is no need to keep him in custody for the period of the investigation. He does not pose a threat to public security," advocate Javad Javadov has explained the defence's position.

The advocate has reminded that the President of Azerbaijan signed a resolution in which he recommended courts to select pre-trial restriction measures in the form of arrest only in extreme cases.

"Unfortunately, the Court has dismissed our motion under the pretext that Aziz Orudjev may hide from the investigators and put pressure on witnesses," said Javad Javadov.

The advocate has also added that Aziz Orudjev is still refused in visits and phone conversations with his family members.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent