Azerbaijani Dissident Vidadi Isgandarli Fatally Stabbed in France
Vidadi Isgandarli, a 62-year-old Azerbaijani opposition figure, tragically succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday after being brutally stabbed in his home in Mulhouse, France. Known for his vocal criticism of President Ilham Aliyev's regime, Isgandarli was attacked on Sunday by three masked assailants who broke into his apartment while he was sleeping. According to reports, he suffered around twenty stab wounds and managed to alert neighbors before being rushed to the hospital, where he remained in critical condition for three days.
The incident has drawn significant attention, with Isgandarli's brother alleging that the Azerbaijani government orchestrated the attack due to his outspoken opposition. In 2017, Isgandarli had been granted political asylum in France, having fled Azerbaijan after facing imprisonment for his activism. His history of political dissent included a prior attack in 2022, which authorities attributed to local disputes rather than political motives. However, this latest assault raises serious concerns about the safety of Azerbaijani dissidents in France, a country that has become a refuge for many fleeing authoritarian regimes.
Ongoing Investigations and Threats to Azerbaijani Activists
The investigation into Isgandarli's murder has been opened for attempted murder and is being handled by the Mulhouse judicial police. Authorities are exploring all leads, including reviewing video surveillance footage. His death is not an isolated incident; fellow Azerbaijani blogger Mahammad Mirzali has survived multiple assassination attempts in France, reportedly linked to Azerbaijani officials. Mirzali, who has been living under police protection, has publicly stated his fears for his life and the impunity enjoyed by those orchestrating these attacks.
Isgandarli's tragic fate highlights the alarming trend of Azerbaijani dissidents facing violence abroad, raising questions about the extent of foreign influence and threats even in democratic nations. As investigations continue, the international community is urged to take a stand against such acts of violence and to ensure the safety of political refugees.
