Iqbal Abilov claimed his innocence

On 7 August, Sabail district court considered the complaint of Iqbal Abilov, a researcher of the Talysh language who is being held in the SIZO of the State Security Service (SSS). He complained about the ban on meetings and telephone conversations with his relatives.

According to lawyer Rovshana Rahimova, the court did not satisfy his complaint.

The defense considers the ban on phone calls and visits with relatives unjustified and intends to appeal against the court's decisions.

Abilov does not plead guilty.

"He does not plead guilty and is grateful to everyone who expresses support for him," the lawyer said and added that Abilov has no complaints about the conditions of detention.

*Igbal Abilov was detained on 22 July when he came to Azerbaijan to visit relatives.  He faces charges under Articles 274 (high treason), 281.3 (public calls directed against the state, made at the behest of foreign organisations or their representatives) and 283.1 (incitement of national, racial, social or religious hatred and enmity) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

In particular, it is alleged that all these offences were committed on the instructions of the Armenian special services.

Abilov denies the accusations as saying that he was engaged exclusively in scientific activities.

A large group of scientists from around the world have appealed to the Azerbaijani leadership to assist in Abilov's release.