Activist arrested in 'Toplum TV case' says he has started a hunger strike: 'I don't even drink water I've vomited blood twice'

Ramil Babayev

The 'Toplum TV case' in Azerbaijan has taken a turn. Detained activist Ramil Babayev has started a hunger strike. He told the court that he has not been drinking water. He said he vomited blood twice in five days.

He looked very different in court. People said he was pale and thin. His blood pressure was very low.

Ramil Babayev is protesting against the way he was treated in the Baku Detention Center. He said a deputy warden, Javid Gulaliyev hurt another prisoner. When Babayev complained nothing was done. Instead he was. Taken to court against his will.

Babayev wants to meet the head of the detention center. He wants to be moved to a cell. He wants an investigation into the torture reports.

This case is not about one person. It's about whats happening in Azerbaijan. Babayev is one of people accused in the 'Toplum TV case'. Akif Qurbanov, head of the Institute for Democratic Initiatives is also accused.

Qurbanov said his cell was searched. His papers were taken. He said the authorities are blocking information. They said Babayev stopped his hunger strike. Thats not true.

The judge, Azer Taghiyev said he didn't order anyone to hurt the defendants. Babayevs health is very bad. The court called for emergency help. The trial was postponed until mid-May.

This all started in 2024. The state says the defendants smuggled things. They deny it. The charges were made worse. Now they could get 12 years in prison. Many journalists and activists have been detained. There are hundreds of prisoners in Azerbaijan. The state says no one is in prison for their work or beliefs.

The 'Toplum TV' defendants are in a spot. They are waiting for a resolution. It seems far away.