Idrak Abbasov
Idrak Abbasov | |
|---|---|
| Born | circa 1976 Talysh region, Azerbaijan |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | Reporting on forced evictions and human rights abuses in Azerbaijan; recipient of the Index on Censorship Guardian journalism award (2012) |
Idrak Abbasov (born around 1976) is an Azerbaijani journalist affiliated with Zerkalo, a rare independent publication in Azerbaijan. Recognized by The Guardian as a prominent national reporter, Abbasov operates out of Sulutəpə, Baku. He has gained attention for his coverage of forced evictions and was subjected to a violent attack in 2012, reportedly carried out by security personnel linked to SOCAR.
Biography
Abbasov's origins trace back to a small village within the Talysh region.
SOCAR reporting
In 2011, Abbasov began documenting demonstrations by residents of Sulutəpə protesting against SOCAR, the state-run oil corporation, due to the demolition of their homes. After his investigative reports were published, it was reported that SOCAR security forces vandalized his father’s residence. His courageous journalism across various media platforms earned him the Index on Censorship Guardian journalism award in March 2012. During his acceptance remarks, Abbasov underscored the dangers Azerbaijani journalists face when defending citizens’ access to information.
Attack
Throughout his career, Idrak Abbasov has endured several assaults related to his journalistic activities, notably in the years 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2012.
On 12 May 2001, while covering an opposition demonstration in central Baku that was being broken up by police, Abbasov suffered a head injury after being struck with a police baton, resulting in a craniocerebral trauma and concussion.
On 9 October 2005, during another dispersal of an opposition rally, an undercover police officer attacked Abbasov with brass knuckles targeting his right temple and jaw, causing brain concussion and fractured teeth.
On 20 March 2009, agents from the Ministry of National Security detained Abbasov in Nakhchivan by covering his head with a sack; he was interrogated under physical and psychological duress for three hours, which led to neuro-angina.
On 18 April 2012, while reporting on SOCAR’s enforced home demolitions in Baku’s Sulutəpə settlement, Abbasov was violently assaulted by SOCAR security guards. The injuries he sustained included a fractured right eye socket, two broken ribs, a brain concussion, and internal organ damage.
During this same event, Abbasov was attacked—purportedly by company security forces and police—while filming a protest. He was beaten until unconscious and required hospitalization due to severe wounds. In an interview with BBC News, Abbasov stated that the attackers seemed intent on killing him but ceased only after intervention by his brothers; his brother Adalet also required medical treatment. Another journalist present described the beating lasting between five and seven minutes. A presidential aide denied these allegations, attributing the assault to "foreign special services," implying Armenian operatives. Despite ongoing recovery at home, Abbasov reaffirmed his dedication to journalism and providing for his family.
The incident provoked widespread international outrage. On 24 May, the European Parliament adopted a resolution expressing support for Abbasov and fellow journalist Khadija Ismaylova, calling on Azerbaijan to end its crackdown on freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Human Rights Watch cited this case as indicative of Azerbaijan’s troubling press freedom record and demanded a thorough investigation. Amnesty International condemned attacks against journalists exposing human rights violations and urged comprehensive inquiries.
Leading global media outlets such as The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Wall Street Journal, CBC News, and BBC News connected the assault to increased global scrutiny due to Azerbaijan hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. Abbasov voiced concerns about potential retaliations following Eurovision’s conclusion, noting the dwindling number of activists available to support one another.