UN Special Rapporteurs Call on Azerbaijan to Release Abilov and Samadov

Bakhruz Samedov and Igbal Abilov

Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, and Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues, called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release researchers Iqbal Abilov and Bahruz Samadov, who have been detained for over a year in connection with their academic activities, criticism of the government, anti-war views, and defense of minority rights.

"We are deeply concerned that the arrests and trial of Abilov and Samadov have equated academic research, the promotion of peace, and the encouragement of minority cultural identity with state treason," the UN experts stated.

They noted that Abilov, sentenced to 18 years in prison, had his specialized academic research on ethnic minorities in the South Caucasus used to accuse him of state treason, anti-state calls, and incitement to national, racial, social, or religious hatred and enmity. "Reportedly, no credible evidence was presented to support these charges, raising serious concerns about the protracted process and academic freedom," the Special Rapporteurs said.

Political scientist and doctoral candidate Bahruz Samadov was accused of state treason and sentenced to 15 years in prison in connection with his criticism of political events and military actions in Azerbaijan, as well as active efforts towards achieving peace with Armenia.

"The use of broad national security provisions to suppress academic freedom, minority identity, and voices calling for peace reflects a pattern of judicial harassment and intimidation in Azerbaijan," the experts stated. "Such practices violate human rights and send a chilling signal to academics, researchers, and human rights defenders across the country," they added.

The experts strongly urged the Azerbaijani authorities to "promptly and impartially review both cases and immediately release the two researchers if the charges are not substantiated."

"The Government of Azerbaijan must ensure that academics, writers, and activists can carry out their work in a safe environment, free from intimidation and reprisals, and bring its laws and practices in line with its international human rights obligations, including guarantees of cultural rights, academic freedom, and freedom of expression for all," the Special Rapporteurs stated.

"We reiterate our concern that there appears to be a misuse of national security legislation to suppress and punish the free exercise of cultural rights, freedom of opinion and expression, and academic freedom in Azerbaijan," they added.

The experts have conveyed their concerns to the Government of Azerbaijan and will continue to closely monitor the situation.