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The investigation regarding criminal cases for historian Altay Goyushov and commentator Arastun Orujlu is now complete

  • Obyektiv Media
  • 6 days ago
  • 1 min read
Investigation complete: Criminal cases against historian Altay Goyushov (France) and commentator Arastun Orujlu (US) in Azerbaijan are finished. Charged under Article 281.2 for alleged public calls against the government via YouTube, the case proceeds in absentia after they failed to appear. Read about the implications for free speech and political action abroad.
Altay Goyushov

Goyushov, living in France, and Orujlu, living in the US, are charged under Article 281.2 of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code. This article refers to making public calls against the government repeatedly or as part of a group.


The Prosecutor General's Office claims Goyushov and Orujlu used YouTube channels to make open calls that encourage the use of force against the current government in Azerbaijan. Both deny these accusations.


The criminal cases were reportedly opened in February, but the Prosecutor General's Office only recently made them public.


Because they didn't respond to investigative summons, proceedings have started against them while they are not present in the country. Goyushov was summoned on November 21 but did not appear. Because of this, the Binagadi District Court ordered his arrest on February 23, 2025, and officially made him an accused person.


The Prosecutor General's Office said Orujlu (starting December 9) and Goyushov (starting December 10) can review the case materials at the Investigative Department without any time limits. The authorities warned that if the accused don't appear, the cases will be sent to court, and a judgment may be issued without them present.

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