“GEGHARD”
SCIENTIFIC ANALYTICAL
FOUNDATION
2025
2025
2025-02-07
There are numerous records of violations of the rights of national minorities in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Among others, to mention the absence of opportunities to receive education in their native language, obstacles to choosing names and surnames characteristic of ethnic minorities for newborns, restrictions on broadcasting television channels in Talysh and Lezgi, as well as issues with publishing newspapers and books in these languages.
Aggression toward the flag and symbols of the Talysh people is common not only for the Azerbaijani authorities but also of pro-government media.
For example, Mirismayil Mirismayilov, an ethnic Talysh who raised the Talysh flag in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 2018, was arrested upon his return to Azerbaijan on charges of terrorism, drug smuggling, and inciting ethnic hatred.
Despite the fact that the young man was subjected to violence at the airport, the Azerbaijani press and human rights defenders did not address the incident. Mirismayil Mirismayilov was released only after the intervention of international organizations. According to Talysh information sources, after his release, Mirismayilov was silenced.
There have been recorded cases in Azerbaijan where ordinary citizens, particularly representatives of national minorities, have faced criminal prosecution for making posts about Artsakh or Armenia on their social media pages.
For instance, in September 2023, Ruslan Vahabov, an ethnic Talysh, was abducted by police for a post he made on social media.
Question: - What did we gain in 24 hours and 43 minutes?
Bravo, is Stepanakert going to be rebuilt in the near future?
The abducted Vahabov was forced to accept one of three charges brought against him: “espionage for Iran,” “illegal possession of weapons”,
or “drug trafficking.”
Ruslan Vahabov refused to admit false accusations and was subjected to torture and psychological pressure at the police station. Under fabricated charges, he was sentenced to four years in prison under Article 234.1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Illegal purchase or storage without a purpose of selling of narcotics in a quantity (amount) exceeding necessary for personal consumption).
The facts indicate that the Azerbaijani authorities continue to pursue a policy of assimilation toward indigenous peoples. By creating obstacles for national minorities, the authorities hinder the preservation and development of their material, spiritual, and cultural values.