Activist Lachin Veliyev Complained of Beatings in Prison

In Azerbaijan, imprisoned activist Lachin Veliyev was transferred to another correctional facility and placed in solitary confinement (punishment cell) after participating in an initiative to create a structure for protecting the rights of political prisoners within the colony.

On November 24, six inmates of Colony No. 2 in Baku announced the creation of the "Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners" (CPPP). According to a statement released by the initiative, the decision to form the group was made considering that human rights and freedom violations in Azerbaijan "have reached a critical level and become systematic." The statement was signed by investigative journalist Hafiz Babaly, economist Fazil Gasimov, labor union activist Afiyaddin Mammadov, former political emigrant Samir Ashurov, activist Lachin Veliyev, and Azerbaijan Popular Front Party member Mehman Aliyev.

A few days after the announcement of the committee at Colony No. 2, Veliyev was transferred to Correctional Facility No. 17 and placed in a punishment cell, where he was held for 23 days, according to his wife.

Zulfiya Veliyeva stated that the activist called home on December 29 and shared what had been happening to him recently.

"After Lachin became a member of the committee to protect political prisoners, pressure began to be exerted on him in Colony No. 2. A few days later, he was sent to Colony No. 17, where he was beaten and put in a punishment cell for 23 days. Lachin said that the head of the colony subjects him to insults and humiliating words," Z. Veliyeva reported.

She also reported a deterioration in her husband's health. "Lachin said that the pain from the beatings has not subsided but has intensified, yet my husband is not receiving medical treatment," she added.

The activist submitted a request to be returned to Colony No. 2 because he feels unsafe in Facility No. 17, but his request was denied. Lachin Veliyev was detained on March 20, 2021, and charged with illegal drug trafficking and fraud. He pleaded not guilty. The defense and other activists deemed the charges fabricated and saw political motives behind the case. The court sentenced Veliyev to 7.5 years in prison.

Human rights defenders have recognized him as a political prisoner.