Jailed Researcher Iqbal Abilov Moved to Punishment Cell Without Explanation

Ethnic researcher Iqbal Abilov has been transferred to a disciplinary punishment cell at Prison No. 12 in Azerbaijan, according to the Committee for the Protection of Iqbal Abilov’s Rights.

The committee said Abilov’s family was scheduled to visit him on July 9, but after waiting at the prison for nearly an hour, they were informed that he had been moved elsewhere. Prison authorities refused to accept the food and personal belongings they had brought for him and advised them to return the following week.

Later the same day, Abilov’s lawyer, Fariz Namazli, was also denied access to his client. Prison officials confirmed only that Abilov had been placed in a punishment cell but did not disclose the reason for the disciplinary measure.

The development comes just two days after Abilov attended the first hearing in a civil case before the Yasamal District Court. During the hearing, he wore a T-shirt displaying a quote in the Talysh language that read: “The day a nation loses its identity is the day it signs the death sentence of its homeland.”

It is not known whether his transfer to the punishment cell was related to that appearance, as Azerbaijani authorities have not commented on the incident.

According to the committee, court proceedings involving Abilov have also faced repeated delays. An online hearing scheduled for July 9 at the Shirvan Court of Appeal was postponed until July 14 due to what officials described as technical problems. Another hearing before the Garadagh District Court is expected to take place on July 13.

The lawsuits filed by Abilov’s lawyers challenge what they describe as unlawful restrictions imposed on him in prison and alleged violations of his rights while in custody.

His relatives and legal representatives say they are deeply concerned that his rights are being violated, that communication with him has been effectively cut off, and that prison authorities are withholding information about his detention conditions.

Abilov was sentenced in 2025 by the Lankaran Court for Grave Crimes to 18 years’ imprisonment on charges of high treason, public calls against the state, and incitement of national, racial, social, or religious hatred.

He has rejected all of the charges, maintaining that he is an academic researcher whose work has focused exclusively on scholarly studies. His supporters argue that the case against him is politically motivated and continue to call for respect for his fundamental rights while in detention.