 The arrest of Aziz Orijav is an attempt to suppress the independent media. Gunoza Said, coordinator for Europe and Central Asia of the Committee to Protect Journalists, spoke about the recent arrests of journalists and the state of the media in Azerbaijan in an interview with Voice of America. Voice of America recalled that Azerbaijani officials arrested Abzaz media director Ulvi Hassanri, editor in chief, and journalist Mohamed Kekalov. All three of them were ordered to be detained for several months. The director of Canal 13 online TV channel Aziz Orijav was detained for three months after the police searched his office and home. It is noted that Canal 13 is a very popular independent channel. The arrests of journalists have caused concern among media advocates who believe the government is trying to suppress independent media in the country. Gunoza Said said that, first of all, this is not the first time we have heard of multiple arrests in a matter of days. Azerbaijan has been known for stifling independent voices including arresting journalists and sentencing them to various prison terms practically since the collapse of the Soviet Union. On the other hand, we haven't seen any arrests in the last few months until last week, which is very worrying because what happened next? First of all, the accusations against all journalists and media workers are unequivocally revenge for their journalistic activities. It is clear that Azerbaijani authorities are trying to silence very important media organizations, Abzaz media and Canal 13, she said.