Monday, October 14, 2024 

In the most recent TRUSU Urgent Action Letter, addressed to the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev; the Union urged for two imprisoned academics and activists to be released from detention. 

“I think it is important that we stand in solidarity with these folks,” said TRUSU Equity Committee Executive, Gopi Yerraguntla. “No one should be persecuted for advocating for peace and justice for their community”. 

Since June 22, 2024, Igbal Abilov has faced detention and release by Azerbaijani security forces, then was arrested again on July 24, 2024. He now faces charges of high treason, sedition, and incitement of ethnic hatred while being denied family contact. Abilov is a Talysh advocate for cultural and political autonomy and is among many activists targeted by Azerbaijan’s government. Similarly, academic and activist Bahruz Samadov was arrested on August 21, 2024, also accused of high treason for advocating a peaceful Nagorno-Karabakh resolution. Both men have been denied their human rights and are at risk of ill treatment in unsafe detention centres. 

As a student union, many of our members, especially those from marginalized or minority backgrounds, can relate to the struggles faced by individuals like Abilov, who work tirelessly to advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities. “I hope that the leader of Azerbaijan supports the immediate release of these two activists but also investigates all cases where activists were wrongly imprisoned for participating in their inherent right to express their opinion,” stated Yerraguntla.  

The Union awaits a response from President Ilham Aliyev on this urgent matter. 

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.