In March of this year, criminal cases were opened against several bloggers living in exile, and the targeting of Azerbaijanis abroad has intensified since then. In November 2025, among those named in a new wave of investigations were Ganimat Zahid, the exiled editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Azadliq newspaper; historian Altay Goyushov; political analyst Arastun Orujlu; Beydulla Manafov and Abid Gafarov; and journalist Sevinc Osmanqizi.
Zahid’s trial began on December 9.
He as well as other named individuals, is charged under Article 281.2 of the Criminal Code – public calls directed against the state, when committed repeatedly or by a group of persons.
Oruclu, Osmangizi, and Gafarov are also accused of Article 220.2 – calls for mass unrest and violence against citizens. Manafov is facing an additional charge under Article 283.1 – actions aimed at inciting national, racial, social, or religious hatred and hostility.
Osmangizi has a YouTube channel Osmangizi TV. Gafarov is an employee of an online television KIM. Manafov was a frequent guest on Turan TV, an online television channel where he often criticized the authorities.