Baku: The trial of Manaf Jalilzade, accused of making open calls against the state, is starting, APA reports. The criminal case has been assigned to Judge Ayten Aliyeva at the Baku Court on Grave Crimes, with the preparatory hearing scheduled for December 30.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, a decision was made to bring Manaf Jalilzade as an accused under Article 281.2 of the Criminal Code. He was declared wanted for charges to be brought against him after escaping from the investigation and hiding outside the borders of Azerbaijan. By a decision of the Binagadi District Court dated February 15 of this year, he was placed under preventive detention in absentia.

On September 19, a decision was made to charge Arastun Orujlu as a defendant under Articles 220.2 and 281.2 of the Criminal Code, with additions and changes to the content of the accusation. It was noted that on February 17, 2023, he, along with Suleymanli Suleyman and others, launched a live broadcast on YouTube called "Diktator TV." This group, who had previously colluded, openly called for the use of force against the government in Azerbaijan and later produced 19 different videos on that platform from 2023 to 2025.

The accused was warned that proceedings might be initiated in absentia, and an in absentia verdict and other court decisions may be issued. It was stated that if he does not respond to the summons, in absentia proceedings could be initiated against him, leading to an in absentia verdict or other final court decision.