An Azerbaijani family’s intention to seek political asylum in Armenia has caused numerous reactions. 

Fine lines in the Azerbaijani press reports show what is not directly said: those of Armenian descent are in danger in Azerbaijan. 

As reported earlier, Resident of Baku Javid Orujev (born in 1976), his wife and three children on January 29 applied to the Armenian side seeking asylum for his family. The Azerbaijani citizen explained his decision by the persecution against him in his homeland. In particular, Orujev said the pressure of the special services followed his marriage to Roya Mirzoyeva (born in 1983) having Armenian roots. Failing to stand the pressure, Orujev was forced to agree to collaborate with the Azerbaijani special services and inform them about Armenian news received by his wife’s relatives from Armenia and the Diaspora.

Azerbaijani media are flooded with articles where they question Orujev’s statements, considering them cynical and Orujev, a person devoid of patriotism.   

One of the periodicals went even further and spoke about the marriage of the couple.

“After divorcing his first wife, he married Mirzoyeva who was also previously married. Her surname is that of her ex-husband. Did Javid not know whom he was marrying? He knew. Has this become a reason to refuse the registration of their marriage? It has not,” the writes columnist, who considers being married once likewise to be discrediting evidence.