2005 graduate Adnan Hajizada to recall time in Azerbaijani prison and what lies ahead for his country

Adnan Hajizada, a 2005 University of Richmond graduate, will discuss: “From Resident Assistant to ‘Hooligan’: Richmond Alumnus and What Lies Ahead for His Country,” Nov. 22, 3 p.m., in Weinstein Hall, Brown-Alley Room.

Hajizada will focus on the 16 months he spent in an Azerbaijani prison after posting a satirical YouTube video on his blog that Azerbaijani officials deemed too critical of the country’s government.

After graduating with a degree in political science, Hajizada returned to his home in Azerbaijan to work in public relations. He pioneered a growing blogging movement but was arrested after posting the satirical video. 

Eighteen Richmond faculty members and administrators, including professors who had taught Hajizada, sent a joint letter of support to the U.S. State Department protesting the arrest. After serving the majority of his two-year sentence, Hajizada was released due to domestic and international pressure.

Hajizada is currently project coordinator for Free Thought University, an alternative education program in Azerbaijan.

For more information, contact Vincent Wang at 804-287-6630 or email vwang@richmond.edu. 

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