Amnesty International has initiated a large-scale campaign calling for the immediate release of Azerbaijani researchers Bahruz Samedov and Iqbal Abilov, both sentenced to lengthy prison terms on charges of treason. The organization urged people to send letters to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev as part of the campaign, Factor.am reports.
The group condemned their prosecution and convictions as part of Azerbaijan’s broader crackdown on dissent, scholars, and human rights defenders.
“These individuals were targeted solely for exercising their right to peaceful expression. The long prison terms imposed on Iqbal Abilov and Bahruz Samedov are intended to silence academic criticism and push them away from politically sensitive issues,” Amnesty said.
It stressed that Azerbaijani authorities must immediately and unconditionally release the two researchers, ensuring the protection of their fundamental rights. Amnesty also demanded they receive adequate medical care prior to release and called for allowing the Ombudsman and independent monitors to visit detention facilities.
The organization further urged Azerbaijan to stop its repression of journalists, activists, and peaceful critics, and to honor its international human rights obligations, accusing Baku of abusing the criminal justice system to suppress critical voices.
Samedov was sentenced in June 2025 to 15 years in prison on charges of treason, allegedly over collaboration with Armenian intelligence services. Abilov, known for his work on preserving Talysh language, culture, and history, was sentenced in May 2025 to 18 years on charges of treason and inciting ethnic hatred. Both men have categorically denied the charges, insisting their cases are entirely politically motivated.
