The Azerbaijani authorities are eliminating all independent media and voices that expose the actions of the corrupt political elite. Six journalists have been arrested in the country recently, and this repressive machine must be stopped. This is stated in a press release from the international press protection organization Reporters Without Borders.

The authors recalled the arrest of Kanal-13 internet television host Rufat Muradli on charges of “petty hooliganism” and “disobedience to the police.” Earlier, the head of Kanal-13, Aziz Orujov, was placed in custody in a criminal case regarding unauthorized construction. Also arrested were the director of the news platform Abzas Media Ulvi Hasanli, the editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgyzy, the publication’s journalist Nargiz Absalamova, and activist Mohammed Kekalov who collaborated with the portal. They were accused of smuggling foreign currency.

“Arbitrary arrests, violence, falsification of evidence. We condemn this wave of repression and call on the Council of Europe to remind the Azerbaijani regime of its obligations and release all journalists,” Reporters Without Borders said in a statement.