GENEVA - UN experts* today called on authorities of Azerbaijan to release two researchers, Igbal Abilov and Bahruz Samadov, who have been held in detention for over a year on charges related to their academic work, peaceful criticism of government policies, and advocacy for minority rights and peace.
"We are deeply concerned that the arrests and trial of Abilov and Samadov have equated academic research, advocacy for peace and the promotion of a minority's cultural identity with high treason," the experts said.
They noted that Abilov's specialised academic work on ethnic minorities of the South Caucasus had been used to accuse him of high-treason, "foreign-instructed" anti-state appeals, and incitement of national, racial, social, or religious hatred and enmity. "No substantial evidence has reportedly been presented to support these charges, prompting serious concerns overdue process and academic freedom," the experts said.
As political analyst and PhD candidate, Bahruz Samadov, was charged with high treason and sentenced to 15 years in prison, in relation with expressing criticism about political developments and military actions in Azerbaijan and being a vocal advocate for peace with Armenia.
"The use of broad national security provisions to suppress academic freedom, minority identities and voices calling for peace reflects a pattern of judicial harassment and intimidation in Azerbaijan," the experts said. "Such practices violate human rights and send a chilling message to academics, researchers, and human rights defenders across the country."
The experts urged authorities in Azerbaijan to promptly and impartially review both cases and release the two researchers without delay if the charges cannot be substantiated.
"The Government of Azerbaijan must ensure that scholars, writers, and activists can carry out their work in a safe environment, free from intimidation and reprisals, and align its laws and practices with its international human rights obligations, including guaranteeing cultural rights, academic freedom and freedom of expression for all," the experts said.
"We reiterate our concern at what appears to be a misuse of national security legislation to suppress and punish the free exercise of cultural rights, freedom of opinion and expression and academic freedom in Azerbaijan," they said.
The experts have addressed their concerns to the Government of Azerbaijan and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
