APFP Activist Begins Hunger Strike in Detention
Elnur Hasanov, an activist of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), who was sentenced to three years in prison on drug-related charges, began a hunger strike on December 3. According to the APFP, Hasanov is protesting against his failure to be transferred to a correctional facility and the denial of meetings with his relatives.
On August 2, Hasanov was sentenced and subsequently transferred to the detention facility at the Umbaqi penitentiary complex. On September 25, the Appeals Court upheld the sentence, but Hasanov has still not been transferred to a correctional institution.
The last "in-person" meeting with his relatives was on June 21. Since then, Hasanov has only been allowed meetings through a glass partition. The administration of the Umbaqi complex claims that the restrictions were imposed by the Penitentiary Service. However, no comment could be obtained from this agency.
Elnur Hasanov was arrested on November 28, 2023, on charges of illegal drug trafficking (Article 234.4.3 of the Criminal Code). The activist believes that the real reason for his arrest is his criticism of the actions of the Road Police leadership. Human rights defenders have recognized him as a political prisoner.
Politics
-
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the visit of the President of Somalia to Baku "will open a new page in the close friendly relations" between the two countries. In a press statement after the negotiations, Aliyev noted that the leaders of both countries discussed the geopolitical situation in their regions and confirmed mutual support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan and Somalia, as well as a common stance in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
-
Russia is not discussing the possibility of delivering Azerbaijani gas to the EU through Ukraine's gas transportation system, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated on Wednesday. "It is not being discussed," he said.
-
On February 12, the Baku Appeals Court rejected the appeal to transfer journalist Ramin Djebrailzade (Deko) to house arrest, according to his lawyer Nemat Kerimli. The defense considers this decision unjustified, as no investigative actions have been conducted regarding Deko, who was arrested in connection with the Meydan TV case. The journalist denies the charge of currency smuggling. Representatives of the investigating authorities were unavailable for comment.
-
The "Union for the Freedom of Political Prisoners of Azerbaijan" has published an updated list of political prisoners, which includes 357 names. Compared to the previous list from December 12 last year, the number of political prisoners has increased by 26 individuals. Among them are journalists Farid Ismayilov, Shamshad Agha, Shahnaz Beylergizi, and 13 arrested during the unrest in Imishli, among others.
Leave a review