The representative of the Ombudsman visited an economist on hunger strike for 55 days

On August 6, the representative of the Ombudsman visited the economist Fazil Gasimov, who has been on hunger strike for 55 days, at the Medical Institution of the Penitentiary Service. The ombudsman's office called the lawyer and said that on August 7, a number of Gasimov's problems were resolved, lawyer Rovshan Rahimova told Turan.

"According to the instructions of the Ministry of Justice, a prisoner on hunger strike can drink tea. However, so far Gasimov has not had such an opportunity and has been drinking ordinary water. There was no kettle in the room where Fazil Gasimov is being held. Now a kettle has been brought to his room," the lawyer said. According to the lawyer, Gasimov will be able to drink tea slightly sweetened with honey. The issue of taking Gasimov out for walks has also been resolved.

Gasimov was not allowed to swim for two weeks, now this issue has also been resolved. At the same time, the lawyer said that F.Gasimov insists on continuing his hunger strike, despite his serious condition. The Ombudsman's office confirmed that they had a confidential meeting with Gasimov.

To maintain control over Gasimov's  health, the management of the institution was given appropriate recommendations.

* Fazil Gasimov was detained in Türkiye on August 7, 2023, 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, stating 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.