UN Experts Urge Azerbaijan to Release Detained Researchers Accused of “High Treason” Over Academic Work

The experts expressed grave concern that the Azerbaijani government has equated “academic research, advocacy for peace, and the promotion of minority identity” with high treason.

 

UN human rights experts have called on the authorities of Azerbaijan to immediately release two detained researchers — Igbal Abilov and Bahruz Samadov — who have been imprisoned for over a year on charges linked to their academic work, peaceful advocacy for minority rights, and criticism of government policies.

The experts expressed grave concern that the Azerbaijani government has equated “academic research, advocacy for peace, and the promotion of minority identity” with high treason. They warned that such actions constitute a serious violation of international human rights standards.

Academic Work Used as Evidence of Treason

According to the experts, Abilov, a scholar specializing in ethnic minorities of the South Caucasus, has been accused of high treason and of making “foreign-instructed” anti-state appeals. He also faces allegations of inciting national, racial, social, or religious hatred — though no substantial evidence has been presented to support these charges.

“This situation raises serious concerns over due process and the suppression of academic freedom,” the experts stated. They emphasized that academic inquiry and critical research should never be criminalized or treated as acts against the state.

Peace Advocacy and Political Criticism Punished

Bahruz Samadov, a political analyst and PhD candidate, was reportedly sentenced to 15 years in prison after expressing criticism of government policies and military actions in Azerbaijan. Samadov has been a vocal advocate for peace with Armenia and the protection of minority rights — positions that, according to the experts, have been unfairly framed as acts of treason.

“The use of broad national security provisions to silence academic voices and suppress peace advocacy represents a disturbing trend of judicial harassment and intimidation,” the UN experts said. “Such practices send a chilling message to researchers, writers, and activists throughout Azerbaijan.”

Call for Immediate Review and Release

The UN experts urged Azerbaijani authorities to impartially review both cases and release the researchers without delay if the charges cannot be substantiated. They reiterated that academic and cultural freedoms must be safeguarded under international law.

“The Government of Azerbaijan must ensure that scholars and activists can operate in a safe environment, free from intimidation and reprisals,” they said. “It must also align its national laws and practices with its human rights obligations, particularly those guaranteeing academic freedom, freedom of expression, and cultural rights.”

A Broader Pattern of Suppression

The experts warned that these cases are part of a wider pattern of suppressing dissent and academic inquiry under the pretext of national security. They emphasized that the misuse of security laws to silence peaceful expression undermines democratic governance and international trust in Azerbaijan’s legal system.

They confirmed that their concerns have been formally communicated to the Azerbaijani government and that the situation will continue to be closely monitored.