Journalist Stops Hunger Strike

Baku / 23.05.19 / Turan: The BakuPress.az website chief editor Shafag Agajan (Agabalayeva) accused of drug trafficking stopped her hunger strike in Baku Detention Center No. 1. Turan was informed by her son Fuad Agabalayev.

According to him, the journalist began a hunger strike on May 20, demanding an unbiased and objective investigation. Within three days, her condition worsened, and doctors strongly advised to stop the hunger strike due to its threatening Agajan's life, her son claims.

In addition, representatives of the investigative body visiting the journalist in the detention center promised to objectively investigate the case. Given the above, Agajan stopped her hunger strike.

The head of the public relations department of the Prison Service Mehman Sadigov told Turan that Agabalayeva wrote an appeal about the hunger strike, but her action lasted less than 1 day. "The question was related to the criminal case. She was explained ways to address the issue, and a preventive conversation was conducted. And, having understood the situation, she wrote another statement and stopped the hunger strike. Now she takes food and water," Sadigov said.

According to law enforcement agencies, Agajan was detained on May 1 during an operation against drug traffickers near Hospital No. 5. The next day, the Khatai court of Baku chose a measure of restraint in the form of arrest for a period of 3 months.

The journalist denied the charges. -21B--