Rufat Muradli, known as the host of “Kanal 13” internet television, has been detained for 30 days following an arrest at noon on December 2.
Charges have been levied against Muradli under sections 510 (petty mischief) and 535.1 (failure to comply with a lawful police request) of the Code of Administrative Offenses. This information was disclosed by the Khatai District Court.
The proceedings related to Rufat Muradli’s administrative offense are currently underway at the Khatai District Court, presided over by Judge Sulhane Hajiyeva. Notably, Judge Hajiyeva had previously issued arrest warrants for Sevinj Vagifgizi, the editor-in-chief of “AbzasMedia,” and Ulvi Hasanli, the director of the same outlet.
Muradli, who is also a member of the Board of the Azerbaijan Democracy and Welfare (ADR) party, has received support from the party’s deputy chairman, Adalat Yusubov. According to Yusubov, the allegations of hooliganism and resistance against Muradli are unfounded. He explained that Muradli had been in the company of ADR board members and others until around 1:00 PM, after which he departed to find parking for his car. However, subsequent attempts to reach Muradli were unsuccessful as his phone was turned off.
Additionally, Aziz Orujov, the executive director of “Kanal 13” internet television, had been detained on November 27. Subsequently, the Sabail District Court ordered a three-month pretrial detention for Orujov on allegations related to Article 188.2 of the Criminal Code—specifically, the unauthorized construction or installation of a building on a plot of land without proper ownership, use, or lease rights. Orujov refutes these charges, asserting that his arrest is tied to his journalistic pursuits. He highlights that several houses in the vicinity were constructed without ownership certificates, raising concerns about selective enforcement.
Moreover, Gubad Ibadoglu, the chairman of Rufat Muradli’s affiliated political party, has been incarcerated since August 2023. Ibadoglu, accused of counterfeiting money, contests the grounds for his arrest, alleging it was orchestrated.
