After the arrest of economist Gubad Ibadoglu on July 23, a new wave of repression against critics of the ruling regime unfolded in Azerbaijan. Currently, the number of political prisoners has exceeded 250. This was stated by the Azerbaijan Democracy and Welfare Party (ADBP).

The statement indicated that the latest victim of political repression was the deputy chairman of the party, the host of Kanal-13 Internet television, Rufat Muradli, who was arrested on charges of “petty hooliganism” and “disobedience to the police.”

Rufat Muradli became the sixth journalist arrested in the past two weeks. 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 online publication Abzas Media Ulvi Hasanli, the editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgyzy, journalist Nargiz Absalamova and activist Mohammed Kekalov who collaborated with the publication. They were accused of smuggling foreign currency.