Relatives of the jailed director of Azerbaijan’s Kanal 13 internet TV channel, Aziz Orucov, said on December 21 that their payment cards, including cards for monthly pension payments, have been blocked. Orucov was arrested last month on charges of building a property illegally and obtaining illicit financial support from abroad, accusations he calls politically motivated. Earlier this week, lawyers for five journalists of another Azerbaijani media outlet -- the Abzas Media news website, who were arrested for allegedly smuggling foreign currency, which they deny, said their clients' relatives had been unable to receive their monthly pensions because their payment cards were also blocked at the request of investigators. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service, click here.
Payment Cards Of Jailed Azerbaijani Journalist's Relatives Blocked
Azerbaijani journalist Aziz Orujov (file photo)