Yagublu began his hunger strike on April 1 to protest a sentence widely regarded as unjust, following years of persecution, arbitrary detentions, and ill-treatment by Azerbaijani authorities. His health, already frail from previous imprisonments, has worsened significantly during this protest. Reports indicate that he has lost over 10 kilograms in weight, and his family and legal team fear for his life due to the lack of adequate medical care in detention. Recently, Yagublu was transferred to a private hospital in Baku after falling into a critical condition, highlighting the severity of his situation.
Despite his declining health, Yagublu was repeatedly denied house arrest in earlier court decisions, prolonging his suffering in prison. However, the Baku Court of Appeal recently transferred him to house arrest on the 17th day of his hunger strike. However, concerns remain about whether this measure is sufficient to address his medical needs. Before this decision, courts had insisted that his appeal would not be heard until late September, a delay that exacerbated his condition. Yagublu’s plight is not isolated; multiple prisoners in Azerbaijan have joined hunger strikes to protest similar injustices, and even his wife and other activists have participated in solidarity actions.
Amnesty International has repeatedly called for Yagublu’s immediate and unconditional release, labeling him a prisoner of conscience targeted solely for his outspoken criticism of the government. The organization has condemned the Azerbaijani authorities for their history of detaining Yagublu on trumped-up charges, noting that he has been sentenced to prison on three separate occasions as a means of silencing dissent. His latest conviction on September 3, which resulted in a sentence of over four years, prompted the current hunger strike and subsequent hospitalization when his health collapsed.
The international community continues to monitor Yagublu’s case as a litmus test for human rights in Azerbaijan. Activists argue that his treatment reflects a broader pattern of political repression in the country, where opposition figures and journalists face systematic harassment. As Yagublu’s life hangs in the balance, the urgency of addressing his medical needs and securing his freedom cannot be overstated. His hunger strike, now approaching 40 days, is a desperate plea for justice in the face of adversity. The world watches, waiting for Azerbaijan to act before it is too late.
For further information:
Imprisoned Azerbaijani politician Yagublu’s health deteriorates as hunger strike approaches 40th day
https://oc-media.org/imprisoned-azerbaijani-politician-yagublus-health-deteriorates-as-hunger-strike-approaches-40th-day/
Azerbaijani opposition politician Tofig Yagublu denied house arrest despite deteriorating health
https://oc-media.org/azerbaijani-opposition-politician-tofiq-yagublu-denied-house-arrest-despite-deteriorating-health/
Multiple prisoners in Azerbaijan go on hunger strike
https://oc-media.org/multiple-prisoners-in-azerbaijan-go-on-hunger-strike/