Talysh activist Isaev was convicted in Baku despite arguments of innocence.

The Baku court sentenced Khamal Isaev to 8.5 years in prison, finding crimes against the state in his publications. The activist rejected the charges in his final statement, and his defense plans to seek an acquittal.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", in November 2025, Russian citizen Kamal Isaev was detained in Turkey and brought to Baku by employees of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan. Isaev's wife believes he was arrested for his social media posts "against the falsification of Talysh history, obstacles to the development of the Talysh language and culture." 1 Isaev's lawyer called the charges vague and contradictory to the right to freedom of expression. The activist himself stated that he did not advocate for the creation of a separate Talysh state and did not support the disintegration of Azerbaijan.

The court denied the defense's request for a re-examination of Isaev's statements

On September 8, the Baku Serious Crimes Court concluded the trial of Talysh activist Khamal Isaev, a correspondent for "Caucasian Knot" reported today on condition of anonymity the activist who observed the proceedings.

According to him, at the hearing, the defense requested a re-examination of the video materials and the preparation of a new expert conclusion. Lawyer Nemat Kerimli explained to the court that the previous examination misinterpreted Isaev's statements. However, the court did not grant the defense's request, the activist said.

He reported that in court, lawyer Kerimli also spoke about Isaev's public activities aimed at preserving the Talysh language and the national-cultural heritage of the Talysh people. According to the lawyer, this activity fell within the legal framework of the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities ratified by Azerbaijan, which provides for the protection of the language and cultural identity of national minorities. Therefore, in the lawyer's opinion, Isaev's activities in these areas cannot be considered a criminal offense.

Khamal Isaev himself also rejected the charges. According to the source, he stated that he "never advocated for the division of Azerbaijan," and in some of his speeches, he only responded to those who insulted the Talysh. The defendant believes that the investigative authorities and the prosecutor distorted the context of parts of his speeches that were beneficial to them and based the indictment on them.

The state prosecutor proposed sentencing the defendant to 9.5 years in prison, while the lawyer and the defendant himself requested the court to issue an acquittal. However, the court sentenced Isaev to 8.5 years in prison.

The defense disagreed with the verdict

An appeal will be filed against the verdict, the lawyer Nemat Kerimli informed the correspondent of "Caucasian Knot" today.

Khamal Isaev expressed his views within the framework of freedom of expression

"The investigation, having taken parts of Khamal Isaev's speeches on social media out of context, qualified them as 'signs of a crime' based on subjective judgments. In fact, Khamal Isaev expressed his views within the framework of freedom of expression guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights," he said.

A court employee confirmed to the correspondent of "Caucasian Knot" the information about Isaev's sentence, noting that the parties have the right to file an appeal within 20 days. Representatives of the prosecution were unavailable for comment.