International PEN is seriously concerned about the 10-year sentence passed on June 24, 2008, at a closed trial against Novruzali Mamedov, editor of the Talysh-minority-language newspaper and head of the Talysh Cultural Center. He has been charged with treason. PEN is concerned that such a heavy sentence has been passed in a trial that did not adhere to international human-rights standards, including denial of access to his defense lawyer and concerns that the charges against him may have been fabricated. PEN calls for details of the evidence used to convict Mamedov to be made public and for concerns that he is being held in violation of his rights to freedom of expression and association to be addressed.

>> Read PEN's letter of appeal

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Talysh minority, primarily Shia Muslim, is located mainly in southeastern Azerbaijan. In 1993, the minority claimed self-determination under the leadership of the Talysh National Movement. Their autonomy claim did not gain public support and was suppressed. It is believed that the movement remains active.

>> More information on the Talysh minority

>> More information on Novruzali Mamedov's case

PLEASE SEND APPEALS...

• expressing serious concern about reports of the closed trial against editor Novruzali Mamedov, which, if confirmed, would be in violation of Articles 10 and 11 (a) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

• calling for details of the evidence used to convict Mamedov to be made public;

• urging authorities to address concerns that Mamedov is being held in violation of his rights to freedom of expression and association.

SEND APPEALS TO...
President Ilham Aliyev
Office of the President
19 Istiqlaliyyat Street
Baku AZ1066
Azerbaijan
Fax: +994 12 492 0625
E-mail: president@gov.az

Minister of Internal Affairs
Lt.-Gen. Ramil Usubov  
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Husu Hajiyev Street 7
370005 Baku
Azerbaijan
Fax: + 994 12 492 45 90

RELATED LINKS

>> PEN's letter of appeal