Arrested Human Rights Defender Complains of Lack of Effective Medical Care

Anar Mammadli

Anar Mammadli, a human rights defender currently under arrest in Azerbaijan, has been denied access to effective medical assistance, according to his relatives.

They stated that he has difficulty walking due to a knee joint ailment. Mammadli has severe swelling and redness in the knee area. His family consulted with private doctors who believe Mammadli shows signs of bursitis and synovitis.

To establish an accurate diagnosis, MRI, X-ray, and laboratory tests are necessary. However, for 17 months, Mammadli has been deprived of access to quality medical care. His lawyer repeatedly applied for Mammadli to be allowed a comprehensive examination in a civilian clinic, but the requests were denied.

"If Anar Mammadli is not provided with normal detention conditions, the necessary examination, and treatment, then his participation in the court proceedings will become impossible," said the human rights defender's father.

Representatives of the Penitentiary Service were unavailable for comment.

Anar Mammadli, the head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center (EMDSC), was detained in Baku on April 29, 2024, and arrested on charges of smuggling as part of the case against the staff of Abzas Media. Mammadli's case was later separated into a distinct proceeding. On April 8, freelance journalist Anar Abdulla (Abdullayev) was summoned to the Baku police, where he was charged in connection with Anar Mammadli's case. In addition to smuggling, they were charged under 7 other articles of the Criminal Code.

Abdulla was initially placed under police supervision, but in August, the court ordered his arrest.

Both defendants have been recognized as political prisoners by human rights organizations.