The Court of Appeal left Igbal Abilov in custody

On July 31, the Baku Court of Appeal heard the complaint against the arrest of Talysh researcher Igbal Abilov. He rejected the charges. “Igbal Abilov said that he was engaged exclusively in scientific activities, research. He said that he did not understand the charges at all,” said lawyer Rovshana Rahimova. The defense also believes that the charges have no material legal basis and are based only on subjective assumptions of the investigation. The lawyer said that all legal steps will be taken to protect and restore Abilov’s rights.    

Add that Iqbal Abilov was detained on 22 July when he came to Azerbaijan to visit relatives. He is charged under Articles 274 (high treason), 281.3 (public calls directed against the state, committed on the instructions of foreign organizations or their representatives) and 283.1 (incitement of national, racial, social or religious hatred and enmity) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. In particular, it is alleged that all these offences were committed on the instructions of Armenia’s special services.

Abilov denies the charges.