Akram Aylisli's book presented in Washington

The first English publication of the novel "Stone Dreams" of the prominent Azerbaijani writer Akram Aylisli, who currently lives under de facto house arrest in Baku, was presented in Washington D.C. on Jan 8, Turan's U.S. correspondent reports.

Rendered into English by Katherine Young, award-winning translator of Russian poets and former poet laureate of Arlington, Virginia, the book introduces American audiences to a singular voice of conscience and raises awareness of the challenges Azerbaijan has faced in establishing itself as an independent nation over the last thirty years.

In her speech, Young mentioned that Aylisli books have been publicly burnt. He has been stripped of his national literary awards. But the 81-year-old writer, one of Azerbaijan's most eminent authors, doesn't and shouldn't regret having written his novel Stone Dreams.

"It"s a job of writers to write what is in their heart.... It doesn"t matter what national politics or fashion dictates," Young said.

In his speech Richard Kauzlarich, former U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan from 1994 to 1997, drew attention to the current state of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan, including the latest developments involving blogger and activist Mehman Huseynov, journalist Mustafa Hajibeyli, and many others. "There are a number of people who are involved in literature, media - among hundred other political prisoners - they all deserve intentional attention," he said.

Stifling free speech not only quashes political dissent. The fear is that it could also be harming Azerbaijan's chance of ever making peace with Armenia, according to speakers. For decades the historical narrative in both countries has failed to focus on the tragedies suffered by the other side.

The publication of Stone Dreams set off a firestorm in Azerbaijan, said Young. President Ilham Aliyev himself signed the decree stripping Aylisli of his national awards and monthly literary stipend.

Aylisli"s case has been chronicled by the western media and championed by human rights organizations including PEN International.

"The Azerbaijani authorities must stop their harassment of writer," PEN International's Thomas Melia, former deputy assistant secretary of State on Human Rights and Labor, said.

According to recent PEN International statement, Aylisli is once again prevented from attending an international literary event in Switzerland in January 2019. He is facing up to three years in prison on trumped-up charges and is subjected to a travel ban. For over two and a half years he has awaited a trial, despite being in poor health and in need of medical care:

A.Raufoglu

Washington, D.C.