Talysh culture researcher sentenced to 18 years in Azerbaijan for treason

A court in Azerbaijan has sentenced Igbal Abilov, editor of the Talysh National Academy News website, to 18 years in prison on charges of treason, calls against the state, and inciting ethnic hatred. He is accused of collaborating with the Armenian special services and attempting to incite ethnic hatred in Azerbaijan.

According to Abilov, his website published materials on Talysh folklore, historical research, and rare documents. He denied the charges, claiming that he was engaged exclusively in scientific research.

Abilov, who lives in Belarus, was detained in July 2024 while visiting relatives in Azerbaijan. He previously completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in International Relations at the Belarusian State University.

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