Fazil Gasimov lost 22 kg during 60 days of hunger strike

Istanbul University doctoral student, economist Fazil Gasimov has been on a hunger strike for 60 days in prison. Gasimov, who is in a medical facility of the Penitentiary Service, protests against his arrest and demands the termination of criminal prosecution. Today he called his brother Nazim Gasimov. "Fazil's  health is extremely serious. He has lost 22 kg – from 67 kg.to 45 kg. His voice sounded weak. There are severe pains in the stomach, kidneys, and hearts. He barely spoke, but said he would continue his hunger strike," Nazim Gasimov said.

The prison service could not be reached for comment.

* Fazil Gasimov was detained in Türkiye on August 7, 2023 and brought to Azerbaijan and charged under Article 204.3.1 (manufacture, purchase or sale of counterfeit money as part of an organized group) of the Criminal Code. The investigation claims that he handed over counterfeit money to opposition politician Gubad Ibadoglu, who was later arrested.

Recently, Gasimov, in his appeal to the Prosecutor General, the Ombudsman, the local and international community, stated that he gave these statements under torture. He retracted these statements, saying that he had not given Ibadoglu counterfeit money, and had never had discussions with him on FETO (the movement of preacher Fethullah Gulen, recognized in Türkiye as a terrorist organization.)

Since June 14, Gasimov has been on a hunger strike to protest against unjustified criminal prosecution and torture at the beginning of the investigation.