AZERBAIJAN: ACADEMICS SENTENCED ON SPURIOUS CHARGES OF TREASON

Dear President,

I am writing to draw your attention to the long prison sentence against two academics in Azerbaijan.

On June 23, 2025, Azerbaijani researcher, peace activist, and OC Media contributor, Bahruz Samadov, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on trumped-up charges of “high treason”. His prosecution was politically motivated, with no credible evidence presented. The trial was effectively held behind closed doors: only a few individuals were permitted in the courtroom for the verdict.

In response to the prosecutor’s request for a 16-year sentence, Bahruz Samadov went on a hunger strike for 5 days. According to his grandmother, he also attempted to take his own life in detention but was saved by a fellow inmate. His lawyer and local activists have since raised urgent concerns over his mental and physical health and have requested an immediate visit by the Public Defender (Ombudsman) and supervising penitentiary service officials.

On May 20, 2025, Igbal Abilov, a Talysh academic, was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Lankaran Court for Grave Crimes on charges of “high treason” and “inciting ethnic hatred”. Abilov had long advocated for the preservation of the Talysh language, history, and culture. His conviction follows a deeply flawed, closed-door trial in violation of fair trial rights. The charges against Igbal Abilov appear to stem from his long-standing academic work on Talysh minority issues.

We call on you to immediately and unconditionally release Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov. Pending their release, they must have access to adequate health care and independent observers. The Public Defender must be allowed to visit them in detention. Additionally, I ask you to end the broader reprisals against peaceful critics, journalists and activists, and ensure that Azerbaijan fully complies with its obligations under international human rights law.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]