The below press-release is prepared by friends and family of Igbal Abilov, a Talysh scholar, arrested in Azerbaijan. By republishing this press-release, we would like to keep the discussion going and public attention on the case of Igbal and express our solidarity with him and his family.
Stop the Unjust Persecution of Ethnographer Igbal Abilov!
International activists call upon the Azerbaijani authorities to put an immediate end to the persecution of ethnographer Igbal Abilov.
Human rights activists worldwide have come together to initiate a global campaign advocating for the rights of Igbal Abilov, a distinguished ethnographer and scholar subjected to illegal persecution. This bold initiative aims to raise awareness and advocate for justice on his behalf.
As the chief editor of the only scientific journal of Talysh studies, the HERALD of Talysh National Academy, Abilov was illegally and arbitrarily arrested on 22 July 2024 by the Azerbaijani government, grossly violating his rights. He is prosecuted with false charges of “high treason” (CC, 274), “foreign-agent-instructed public appeals against state” (CC, 281.3), and “incitement of ethnic hatred” (CC, 283.1) for his independent and unbiased research. The State has not provided the public with any evidence to support these claims.
Known for his comprehensive research on the cultural characteristics of various ethnic and religious groups, including turkic culture and language in the South Caucasus and the Middle East, Abilov's work is exclusively scientific with no political agenda. On the pages of the HERALD of Talysh National Academy, edited by Abilov, leading scientists from Russia, Azerbaijan, France, Iran, the Netherlands, Armenia, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, have published on Talysh history, ethnography, culture, and language. However, the Azerbaijani government is trying to portray the non-exclusion of scientific publications of Armenian scholars as evidence of "treason."
The way Abilov is detained and the charges he faces raise utmost concern. His situation mirrors the cases of previously persecuted Talysh activists and scholars, such as the late professor Novruzali Mammadov, a prominent Talysh scholar whom the European Court of Human Rights recognized as tortured to death, meeting a tragic end in prison due to repression. Abilov’s case indicates the continuation of these hostile practices, based on ill-established stereotypes frequently used against dissenting voices. This involves discrediting Talysh intellectuals and activists with false accusations of separatism/irredentism and alleged favoritism towards Armenia, which do not reflect reality. His right to defense and the presumption of innocence are being blatantly violated. The international community must urgently address these injustices and advocate for the protection of academic freedom and human rights in Azerbaijan.
For more about his works, click the link: List of academic works of Igbal Abilov
The International Initiative Team on Defending the Rights of Talysh Scholar Igbal Abilov aims to:
1. Raise Awareness: Educate the public and international community about the plight of Igbal Abilov and the challenges faced by independent researchers.
2. Advocate for Justice: Mobilize support to demand fair treatment and the protection of Abilov's rights as a scholar and individual.
3. Support Academic Freedom: Promote the importance of unbiased and independent research free from state interference and intimidation.
“We stand in solidarity with Igbal Abilov and all scholars who face persecution for their dedication to truth and academic freedom. Our campaign is not only about protecting one individual but also about defending the principles of free inquiry and the right to unbiased research”.
The initiative will include a series of events, including online campaigns and academic forums to gather support and amplify their message. The group is calling on human rights organizations, academic institutions, and concerned individuals worldwide to join their cause and support the fight for justice and academic freedom.
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