Former Belarusian State University lecturer Iqbal Abilov tortured in Azerbaijani prison
Iqbal Abilov and his academic supervisor Rosa Turarberkova / Meydan TV
Former Belarusian State University lecturer Iqbal Abilov was tortured in a prison in Baku. His father Shahin Abilov told journalists from Toplum TV about this.
Iqbal Abilov is a researcher of Talysh culture. He is a citizen of Azerbaijan but has lived in Belarus since the age of seven, graduated from Belarusian State University, and lectured at the same institution. His cousin is stand-up comedian Idrak Mirzalizade.
Abilov was detained in 2024 when he came to attend a relative's wedding. The scholar was charged with state treason and incitement of national hatred. His family believes that the real reason for the prosecution is his preservation and study of Talysh identity.
According to his father, Iqbal was sent to a punishment cell where his hands were tied to an iron bed. The prisoner had bruises and injuries. On July 9, a meeting was supposed to take place, but neither the parents nor the lawyers were allowed to see the political prisoner. "Today it became clear that my son was tortured," — Shahin Abilov stated on July 13.
