Azerbaijan opposition activist Elkhan Aliyev facing health crisis, party warns

Elkhan Aliyev

The health of jailed Azerbaijani opposition activist Elkhan Aliyev has severely deteriorated after being denied urgent medical care, his party has said.

The Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (AXCP) said Aliyev, who suffered a stroke shortly before his arrest, is being refused a promised MRI scan.

Although he was promised medical services and an MRI scan, the matter is being delayed," the AXCP said in a statement.

His family has managed to deliver some privately prescribed medicine, but the party warned that his life is in danger because of the lack of continuous medical supervision.

The warning follows allegations made by the party last year that Aliyev was being subjected to systemic harassment at Prison No. 17.

He was transferred there from Prison No. 6 in July 2025, after which his party claimed guards were actively turning other inmates against him.

The AXCP said at the time: "They are trying to provoke Elkhan to react aggressively. They want to draw him into a provocation to give him a heavier sentence."

The opposition group added that the hostile environment had left the activist unable to eat properly.

Azerbaijan's Penitentiary Service did not respond to requests for comment on Aliyev's case.

However, the authority has routinely rejected claims of mistreatment, stating that all prisoners are provided with necessary medical care and treated in accordance with the law.

Aliyev was sentenced to five years in prison by the Baku Grave Crimes Court in 2024 after being convicted of fraud.

He denies the charges, which his supporters say are politically motivated.

The AXCP currently has about 15 members in prison.

The Azerbaijani government denies holding political prisoners, maintaining that those in custody have been convicted of ordinary criminal offences.

However, human rights groups estimate that there are currently 328 political prisoners in Azerbaijan.