Turkish columnist Celal Ciftci has apologized to Azerbaijan’s government and people after being placed on an international wanted list, while saying the apology did not amount to an admission of the criminal allegations against him.
Ciftci published the statement on X on Oct. 16, hours after Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office announced the criminal case and wanted notice. His response was reported by Report.
The columnist said he regretted that his publications had caused offense and disappointment in Azerbaijan. He said some of his wording had gone beyond what he intended to express.
Ciftci said he had sought to comment on the hijab and freedom of religion. He denied intending to interfere in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs, incite the population against the state, call for the violent seizure of power or seek a forcible change to the constitutional order.
He also rejected violence, coups and threats, said he had removed material he now considered inappropriate, and promised to choose his words more carefully.
Azerbaijani prosecutors earlier said the Şanlıurfa Olay columnist had been charged, ordered held in absentia and placed on an international wanted list. Authorities allege that his social-media publications included calls for the violent seizure of power and material inciting religious hostility.
The case was opened under Articles 281.2, 283.2.1 and 167-3.1 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code. The provisions concern repeated public calls against the state, incitement of religious hatred involving violence and the preparation or distribution of material that calls for or seeks to justify religious-extremist activity.
AZE.US reported the wanted notice earlier on Oct. 16. Ciftci’s apology is a new development in the case, but it does not itself end the investigation, cancel the arrest order or remove the wanted notice. No court has ruled on the allegations.