Aslan Gurbanov is an Azerbaijani blogger and activist known for his advocacy of the Talysh ethnic minority. In July 2020, he was arrested by the State Security Service on charges including "public calls against the state" and "incitement of national, racial, social, religious hatred and enmity" through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The authorities accused him of disseminating materials that allegedly violated the rights of the Talysh people by falsely claiming discrimination.

During his arrest, Gurbanov, who suffers from severe epilepsy, reportedly fainted and had seizures. Despite his health condition, he was sentenced to seven years in prison. In December 2021, the prison administration requested that he be transferred to Gobustan prison for two years due to alleged violations of internal regulations, such as smoking in unauthorized areas—a claim his defense disputed, noting he does not smoke. The Supreme Court partially upheld this decision, reducing the term to one year.

Human rights organizations have recognized Gurbanov as a political prisoner, arguing that his arrest and subsequent treatment were attempts to intimidate Talysh activists and suppress freedom of expression. They highlight that his social media posts were primarily focused on promoting Talysh culture and history within legal boundaries.

As of June 2022, Gurbanov's health remained a concern, with reports indicating he was receiving treatment in the prison's medical facility. His family expressed fears for his well-being, citing his ongoing health issues and the challenging prison conditions.