UR grad’s arrest in Azerbaijan draws international attention

THE COLLEGIAN: Hajizada’s life of activism began at Richmond, father says

A 2005 University of Richmond graduate known for his political blogs and protests has been arrested in his native Azerbaijan in a case that is drawing international attention.

Adnan Hajizada, who recently dressed up in a donkey suit for a mock online news conference critical of the government, is being held on charges of hooliganism, according to The New York Times.

The Times reported that Hajizada's supporters fear the arrest last week is the beginning of a crackdown on online media in the republic wedged between Russia and Iran.

Hajizada majored in political science at UR. He attended the university for three years on a full scholarship, said Uliana F. Gabara, dean of international education.

His father, Hikmet Hajizada, told UR's student newspaper that his son's life of activism began while he was on campus.

He told The Collegian that he has not been allowed to see his son, but that the United States, Germany and Britain are among nations pressing for his release.

According to The Times, Hajizada, 26, and activist Emin Milli, 30, were arrested in Baku, the capital. Hajizada's lawyer maintains the two were engaged in a political debate with friends at a restaurant July 8 when two strangers broke into their conversation and then physically attacked them.

When Hajizada and Milli tried to file a complaint, an investigator launched a criminal case against them instead, the lawyer's court motion said.

The arrest followed the online parody in which Hajizada dressed as a donkey to poke fun at the high prices the government has been accused of paying to import donkeys.

Hikmet Hajizada said the government or a pro-government group likely instigated the attack on his son, according to The Collegian.

"The idea is to punish public activists . . . the young generation of democrats," he told The Collegian.

Authorities issued a statement Tuesday that urged embassies of foreign countries to stop interfering in "an ordinary hooliganism case" that has no political overtones.

Gabara said UR officials are discussing what the university might be able to do to aid Hajizada.

"We don't like our students being beaten up," she said.