Aziz Orujov was released

Aziz Orujov, head of Azerbaijan's online television channel Kanal-13, was released today after serving his full prison sentence.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," Aziz Orujov, accused of illegal construction, was sentenced to two years in prison on February 26. The defense appealed the verdict. On May 12, the Baku Court of Appeal upheld the verdict. On November 13, the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan upheld the verdict.

Orujev was released from Penitentiary Institution No. 16 on the morning of November 27, lawyer Bakhruz Bayramov told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

He noted that, if Orujev so chooses, an appeal against the verdict will be filed with the ECHR.

"There is a Supreme Court decision, and domestic appeal mechanisms have been exhausted, so it is now possible to appeal to the ECHR." "Because Aziz's criminal prosecution was completely unfounded," the lawyer said.

The journalist's release was also confirmed by his wife, Lamiya Orujeva.

"Aziz is free, he's already home, and is now with guests. Our little girls are probably the happiest to see Aziz; they asked every day how much longer until their father's return," Orujeva told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to her, two years in prison have significantly worsened his health. She emphasized that after completing a course of treatment and psychological rehabilitation, Orujev will return to creative work.

It should be noted that Kanal-13 continued its operations after Orujev's arrest, but long video interviews on current socio-political issues disappeared from the air. Nevertheless, the channel continues to operate in a news format, covering issues of concern to citizens.

As a reminder, human rights activists have recognized Aziz Orujov as a political prisoner.

Author: Faik Majid, source, correspondent for the "Caucasian Knot"