Head of Talysh cultural center in Azerbaijan declared political prisoner

Novruzali Mamedov, 67, head of Talysh cultural center and chief editor of "Tolyshi Siado" (Voice of Talysh) newspaper convicted to 10 years of prison on the charge of treason, has been recognized political prisoner by the Institute of Peace and Democracy and the Azeri Federation of Human Rights Organizations.

According to Leila Yunus, IPD director, the charges of treason laid to Mamedov have not been proved either during the investigation or in court. Yunus reports that, during investigation, N.Mamedov was proposed a deal: he confesses his collaboration with Iranian secret services and gets a mild sentence in return, taking into account his age and scientific activity. Otherwise Mamedov was threatened by a severe punishment and persecution of his family members. However, Mamedov refused the bargain. Yunus states that Mamedov's family members are being harassed even now.

According to Khilal Mamedov, head of the Committee on Protecting Talysh Rights, N. Mamedov's arrest was motivated by the wish of Azeri authorities to please the USA and demonstrate their fight against "pro-Iraqi forces".  Additionally, in H.Mamedov's opinion, "it is a preventive intimidation action, so as to prevent the national minorities of Azerbaijan from fighting for their rights".

Additionally, according to the lawyer's opinion, N. Mamedov's "sin" was in that he, referring to the opinion of the Western scholars, mentioned 1 million of Talyshes residing in Azerbaijan, although he simultaneously cited official statistics as well.