Atakhan Abilov
Atakhan Abilov | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 29, 1965 Azerbaijan |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, author, human rights advocate |
| Known for | Advocacy for the Talysh minority and human rights |
Atakhan Abilov (, ; born 29 June 1965) is an Azerbaijani lawyer, author specializing in international law, and an advocate for the Talysh minority and human rights. He has been granted refugee status by both the Russian Federation and the United Nations, following the prosecution and incarceration of colleagues associated with the "Voice of Talysh" newspaper in Azerbaijan.
Biography
Abilov is a well-known activist within the Talysh community. Running as an independent candidate in Azerbaijan’s #75 Lankaran-Masalli electoral district, he drew attention to significant infrastructural deficiencies, emphasizing that deteriorated roads limit connectivity between mountain villages and Lankaran. Although Azerbaijan’s 1999 census recorded approximately 76,800 Talysh individuals, Abilov contended that their actual population is nearer to 320,000.
According to Amnesty International, Abilov was apprehended by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of National Security, subjected to a search of his residence, and subsequently expelled from Baku State University due to his political stance. In 2007, he departed Azerbaijan for Russia.
Acknowledged as a de facto refugee by Russian authorities and the UN, Abilov received permission to resettle in a third country but remained in Moscow while awaiting his family’s departure from Azerbaijan.
On 30 November 2008, Abilov was attacked in Moscow by three unidentified masked individuals, sustaining injuries including a concussion and a fractured nose that required hospitalization.
Monographs
Abilov has authored several monographs examining international human rights frameworks in the context of Azerbaijani legislation. His works include three books focused on Azerbaijan’s interactions with the Council of Europe: Council of Europe and Azerbaijan, European Court of Human Rights and Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan in the European Family. Additionally, he co-wrote a textbook on Private International Law applicable in Azerbaijan. He played a role in drafting multiple legislative documents enacted by the Azerbaijani Parliament, notably preparing the draft legislation on private international law.