Talysh Historian Gets 18-Year Prison Term, Drawing International Outcry

Iqbal Abilov

On May 20, the Lankaran Serious Crimes Court delivered a verdict against Iqbal Abilov, a researcher of Talysh history and editor-in-chief of the Talysh National Academy News journal, sentencing him to 18 years in prison.

The court found the young scholar guilty under Articles 274 (treason), 281.3 (public calls against the state — when committed on instructions from foreign organizations or their representatives), and 283.1 (incitement of national, racial, social or religious hatred and enmity) of the Criminal Code. The charges accuse Abilov of cooperating with Armenian intelligence services and attempting, in coordination with them, to incite ethnic hatred in Azerbaijan through targeted online content.

During the hearing, which Abilov attended online from the pretrial detention center in Kurdakhani settlement, he delivered his final statement before sentencing. The historian asserted that all allegations against him were unfounded, emphasizing that he had been held in detention for a long time without any evidence being presented. He explained that his work focused on researching the Talysh language and culture, and dismissed the accusations of inciting ethnic hatred as absurd. He requested a full acquittal.

The Committee for the Protection of Abilov’s Rights commented that the verdict represents “a punishment of science, free expression, and ethnic identity.” In their statement, the committee emphasized that Abilov had not been involved in any political activity, and that his only “crime” was scientific objectivity, honest research, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

His legal defense team told Radio Azadliq that they would appeal the verdict. The defense also argued that the investigation had failed to provide any credible evidence to substantiate the charges.

According to relatives, Abilov had traveled to Azerbaijan from Belarus — where he resides — in July 2024 to attend his cousin’s wedding. On July 22, 2024, he was detained by officers of the State Security Service (SSS) in the village of Bala Kolatan in the Masalli district. Prior to his arrest, authorities had informed him at the airport that he was banned from leaving the country. A few days later, he was formally arrested.

Abilov is the editor-in-chief of Talysh National Academy News, the publication of the virtual Talysh National Academy, which is registered in Latvia. The site features examples of Talysh folklore, previously unpublished historical documents about the Talysh people, and academic studies.

He is one of the founding members of the Talysh National Academy. Abilov earned his bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Belarusian State University in 2012, his master’s degree in 2013, and was admitted to the university’s doctoral program in 2016.

A large group of scholars from various countries has appealed to the Azerbaijani authorities, requesting help in securing Abilov’s release. Human rights organizations have recognized him as a political prisoner.