Aziz Orujov is the founder and director of the first internet television in Azerbaijan, Kanal 13. Its YouTube channel has up to two million subscribers and publishes content in English. The channel covers sensitive topics such as protests and human rights violations and gives an online platform for the opposition to express their views. In the past, Orujov faced arbitrary detention and was admitted as a prisoner of conscience in connection to his 2017 conviction of abusing official powers and illegal entrepreneurship. 

Before his detention, on November 26, 2023, police searched Orujov’s house and offices. They later also searched his car. On November 27, 2023, the Sabayil District Police Department’s eight police officers, seven of whom were wearing masks, arrested Orujov at his home, in front of his minor child. Police searched his house and the office. They seized documents and USB sticks from Kanal 13’s office. They also took two laptops, a cell phone, materials, and bank cards from his home. 

On December 1, 2023, the Sabail District Court placed Orujov under three months of pre-trial detention. Initially charged with alleged unauthorized construction or installation work, on December 19, authorities pressed against Orujov additional charges accusing him of conspiring to smuggle foreign currency. On December 21, 2023, the Ministry of Internal Affairs sought a court order to block access to Kanal 13. The court also blocked the bank accounts of Orujov’s family members, including his wife and his mother’s monthly pension card. 

On February 21, 2024, his pre-trial detention was again prolonged for a month. In March 2024, the court prolonged his pre-trial detention for another two months.

 Orujov’s health has deteriorated significantly since May 14, 2024. As of June 2024, he is in the prison hospital but does not receive adequate treatment. His pre-trial detention has been extended until the end of June 2024. 

On June 25, 2024, the Sabail District Court extended his pre-trial detention for another three months to September 27, 2024.