Rights defenders criticize investigators' version of Talysh researcher Abilov's case

The charge of treason brought against Igbal Abilov, a Talysh researcher, looks unconvincing and has become another episode in the prosecution practice of activists from Azerbaijani national minorities.

Igbal Abilov, 35, an Azeri citizen, who had lived in Belarus since his childhood, came to Azerbaijan in 2024 for his brother's wedding and was detained on charges of collaborating with Armenian special services. The case is being investigated under articles on treason and incitement of national hatred; Igbal faces up to life imprisonment.

His relatives believe that his research into the Talysh culture is the reason for his prosecution.

The international "Committee of Concerned Scientists" has called on Azerbaijani President, Ilham Aliev to facilitate Abilov's liberation.

Eldar Zeinalov, the director of the Azerbaijani Human Rights Centre, has expressed doubts about the veracity of the charges against Abilov. In his opinion, Igbal, being a research fellow in Belarus, not holding any government posts and not serving in the army, simply due to his physical and official capabilities could not harm the Azerbaijan's sovereignty and security.

In the previous "Talysh cases" opened against Novruzali Mamedov and Gilal Mamedov, the publication of the Talysh newspaper "Tolyshi Syado" was named as hostile activity on the instructions of foreign states, although the paper was published on the basis of the head of state's order, as well as the activities of the Talysh Culture Centre in Baku, Mr Zeinalov has recalled.

"Igbal Abilov is known as one of the authors of the virtual 'Talysh National Academy'. The young man was engaged in scientific studies; he made publications about the Talysh scientists who had earlier been persecuted in Azerbaijan. This is probably the reason why he came to the attention of Azeri law enforcers," Elshan Gasanov, the head of the Centre for Monitoring Political Prisoners, has suggested.