Arrested disabled activist on hunger strike

Famil Khalilov, a public activist and disabled person of the 1st group, detained in the sanitary unit of Baku SIZO #1, has started a hunger strike since 15 August. He protests against illegal arrest and restriction of his physical mobility. Lawyer Fakhraddin Mehdiyev informed Turan about it.

According to him, on 15 August an official application of Famil Khalilov about the beginning of hunger strike was submitted to the administration of the pretrial detention center.

Famil Khalilov has completely refused to eat and drinks only water. As Famil Khalilov's arms are paralyzed, his movement is restricted, he cannot eat, drink and wash himself. However, no social worker has been assigned to care for him.

His situation is very difficult, as he cannot take care of himself. He is kept in the sanitary unit of the detention center, and the roommates who take care of him are also tired and cannot look after him, the lawyer said.

The penitentiary service has not yet responded to the inquiry about the situation of Famil Khalilov.

On July 26, the preliminary investigation in the criminal case against Famil Khalilov was completed and now the defense and Khalilov himself are getting acquainted with it.

Khalilov, who was detained on 2 May, is charged under Article 234.4.3 of the Criminal Code (manufacture, transportation, storage of drugs on a large scale for the purpose of sale). The activist was given a preventive measure of 4 months' imprisonment. This article provides for imprisonment for 5 to 12 years.

His relatives claim that he is innocent and punished for critical posts against the authorities on social networks.

On May 6, Khalilov was placed in the medical-sanitary department of the Baku pretrial detention center No. 1 due to deterioration of his condition.