Samir Ashurov's condition deteriorated in Shuvalan PTDC

Baku/10.08.23/Turan: Condition of activist Samir Ashurov, arrested after his expulsion from Germany, has sharply deteriorated in Shuvalan pre-trial detention centre (PTDC). This was reported to Turan by his spouse Nurana Ashurova.

According to her, due to the aggravation of diabetes, he has wounds on his legs, which can lead to gangrene if not treated properly.

Besides, S.Ashurov suffers from a heart disease and recently he suffered from palpitations (arrhythmia).

Ashurova stressed the necessity of Ashurov's being transferred to the penitentiary service medical facility for treatment.

"In Germany, Samir was registered at the medical facility as a patient with diabetes and received regular treatment. In the pre-trial detention centre he only takes medication, but he does not even have his blood sugar measured," she noted.

"Samir is kept in a small cell with 11 people. There is no sunlight and the cell is not ventilated. Water is not given normally, the toilet is unsanitary," Ashurova said.

She also emphasized the unreasonable prolongation (nearly a year) of the trial against S. Ashurov.

It was not possible to get a comment from the Penitentiary Service.

**Samir Ashurov was expelled from Germany on 29 March this year, and 20 days later was detained by the police in Baku. He was accused of stabbing a certain Elshan Nabiyev (Article 126.2.4 of the Criminal Code - Intentional infliction of serious harm to health out of hooliganism). He faces 6 to 11 years of imprisonment.

On 21 July Ashurov was charged under another Article of the Criminal Code - 221.3 (hooliganism committed with the use of weapons or an object used as a weapon).

Human rights activists recognised Ashurov as a "political prisoner", believing that the real reason for his persecution was his participation in protests against human rights violations. -30В03-