The man of Azerbaijan sentenced 18 years to online communication with the Armenian historian, Sparks Global Avelden | Today news

In a deep worrying development that emphasizes Azerbaijan’s increasingly strict unbundling on division, a young man named Igbal Abilov was sentenced to 18 years in prison – simply because he had online conversations with an poor academic. The case has criticized human rights organizations and raised alarm among those who advocate for peace in the Caucasus region. The young Azerbaijani was sentenced to 18 years on online dialogue with the Armenian scholar Abilov, was convicted of ‘high treason’ and ‘along with Armenian special services’. But those so-called services were none other than a respected historian professor Garnik Asatrian, an expert in Iranian studies based in Armenia. The two reportedly spoke via Skype while Abilov lived in a third country, with conversations that would appear scientific in nature. Despite the peaceful tone of these interactions, Azerbaijani authorities interpreted the exchange as a threat to national security rather than a sign of possible reconciliation between long-divided neighbors. Who is Garnik Asatrian? Garnik Asatrian is no political operative. He teaches at Yerevan State University and Russian-Armenic (Slavonic) university and is known for his academic work in linguistics and cultural studies. If he portrays himself as a spy, his role represents his role dangerously wrong and raises serious questions about the intention of Azerbaijan behind the prosecution. The allegations of the court that Abilov carried out ‘instructions’ of Armenian agents did not have good testimony. According to observers, the ruling leaned heavily on speculation and private conversations, without transparent proof of any offense. Why is Azerbaijan doing this? This hard punishment is part of a broader trend in Azerbaijan, where the government has targeted journalists, activists and others who challenge the official narrative. Contact with Armenians – Regardless of the context – is often treated as suspect, and Abilov’s sentencing strengthens only the cold attitude. The decision was widely condemned, especially by those invested in promoting dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. After the Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020 and Azerbaijan’s military action in 2023 in the region, the relationship between the two countries remains tense. But instead of allowing room for mutual understanding and reconciliation, the Azerbaijani government seems to be closing the door of such possibilities. Rather than encouraging young citizens to participate in education and peaceful dialogue, this decision sends a clear warning: Curiosity and openness can be a great cost. The imprisonment of Abilov not just affects one individual – it threatens to silence an entire generation who may want to ask difficult questions, seek knowledge and seek peace.