Former soldier Colonel Elnur Mammadov and Vugar Mammadov, editor-in-chief of online news outlet Hurriyyat, have been arrested following an investigation into the content aired on Hurriyyat TV.
The arrest warrant, issued under Article 388-1.1.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, refers to the posting or failure to prevent dissemination of prohibited information on an internet information resource.
According to information received, Vugar Mammadov was summoned to the General Prosecutor’s Office on July 24 to be questioned about the opinions expressed by Elnur Mammadov during his appearances on Hurriyyat TV. Subsequently, both Vugar Mammadov and Elnur Mammadov were presented before a judge at the Binagadi District Court and sentenced to 30 days of administrative imprisonment.
The General Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the arrest of both individuals.
It is worth noting that Colonel Elnur Mammadov had previously faced legal consequences for criticizing the Ministry of Defense in his speeches on social networks and Internet television. In October 2022, the Baku Military Court found him guilty under Article 147.2 of the Criminal Code for defamation by accusing a serious crime. The case was based on a lawsuit filed by Elchin Aliyev, the head of the Legal Department of the Ministry of Defense.
In his speeches, Elnur Mammadov addressed issues of cronyism and nepotism within the Ministry of Defense and made accusations against Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov. However, the Ministry of Defense refuted his claims and issued an official statement denying any wrongdoing.
