This week, the Baku Court of Appeal confirmed the 9-year prison sentence for opposition politician Tofig Yagublu, ethnic researcher Igbal Abilov was sentenced to 18 years on treason charges, and two more members of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP) were detained.
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Tofig Yagublu’s Nine-Year Prison Term Confirmed
On May 20, 2025, the Baku Court of Appeal confirmed the nine-year prison sentence handed down to opposition politician Tofig Yagublu by the Baku Serious Crimes Court in March.Yagublu, a member of the National Council and the Musavat Party, was found guilty under Articles 178.3.2 (fraud causing significant damage) and 320 (forgery or use of forged documents) of the Criminal Code. He has strongly denied the charges, stating that they are baseless and politically motivated.
In protest of what he views as an unjust conviction, Yagublu began a hunger strike on April 1, 2025, which lasted 40 days. He ended the strike on May 10 after his health severely deteriorated and at the urging of his daughter. His case has attracted attention as another example of the Azerbaijani government’s pressure on opposition figures.
Researcher Igbal Abilov given 18-year prison sentence
On May 20, 2025, the Lankaran Grave Crimes Court sentenced ethnic researcher and editor-in-chief of the “Talysh National Academy News” website, Igbal Abilov, to 18 years in prison. He was accused of collaborating with Armenian intelligence services and attempting to incite ethnic hatred in Azerbaijan.
Abilov faced charges of treason, public calls against the state on behalf of foreign organizations, and inciting national or religious hatred. He has denied all allegations, claiming his activities were purely academic, and his defense argues there is no credible evidence to support the accusations.
Following the verdict, Abilov issued a statement expressing gratitude to his family, supporters, and lawyers, asserting that his heart remains free despite his imprisonment. He emphasized equality and human rights, stating no one should be deprived of rights based on gender, ethnicity, language, or religion. He also expressed concern for fellow activist Ahmad Mammadli, reportedly seen in poor condition in detention. Abilov, who was arrested in July 2024 upon returning to Azerbaijan from Belarus, has received support from international scholars and human rights organizations, many of whom recognize him as a political prisoner.
AXCP faces new arrests: Two more members detained
On May 20, 2025, two members of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP), Novruz Taghiyev, the bodyguard of party leader Ali Karimli, and Rashad Aliyev from the Khatai district branch, were arrested after previously going missing.
Taghiyev faces charges of fraud under Article 178.2, involving misuse of trust or deception to unlawfully acquire property, and was detained at Kurdakhani Investigation Prison, facing up to five years in prison. Aliyev was given 25 days of administrative detention, though the specific charges against him were not disclosed. The Ministry of Internal Affairs did not respond to inquiries about these arrests.
Ali Karimli condemned the arrests, accusing President Ilham Aliyev of sending a warning to AXCP members to distance themselves from him and suggested there might be plans for serious provocations against him personally. Karimli criticized the government’s repression as a sign of fear toward political competition rather than strength. Over the past month, several of Karimli’s bodyguards and associates have also been arrested. Currently, 20 AXCP members remain in detention, with the party claiming all arrests are politically motivated and aimed at suppressing opposition.
The post Friday Wrap-up: Tofig Yagublu’s prison term confirmed, Igbal Abilov receives 18-year prison sentence, and new arrests hit Azerbaijan Popular Front Party appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.
