Azerbaijani Activist A. Mammadov Complains of Lack of Medical Care in Penal Colony

Afiyaddin Mammadov

Azerbaijani trade union activist Afiyaddin Mammadov has complained about the lack of medical assistance at the correctional facility where he is serving his prison sentence.

Afiyaddin Mammadov, the head of the alternative confederation of trade unions of Azerbaijan, "Workers' Platform" (Işçi masası), was detained on September 20, 2023. He was accused of attacking a passerby with a knife. The activist rejected the charge and stated that he was being persecuted due to his trade union activities. He claimed that he himself was beaten by that person.

On January 14, 2025, a court in Baku sentenced Mammadov to eight years in a penal colony.

About three months ago, he appealed to the leadership of Colony N2 with a request to transfer him to the facility's medical unit. However, the "Workers' Platform" reported that since then, his application has not been considered, and he has still not been placed in the medical unit.

According to the same source, Mammadov suffered a nervous breakdown, and his psychological state has deteriorated. Furthermore, his nose was broken during his detention, and although he still doesn't know the full consequences of that blow, he feels pain in his body.

In addition to Mammadov, three other activists of the "Workers' Platform" trade union confederation—Ayhan Israfilov, Elvin Mustafayev, and Mohyaddin Orujov—are also imprisoned, having been accused of illegal drug trafficking. They also deny the charges, considering them fabricated.

Human rights defenders have recognized Mammadov, Mustafayev, Israfilov, and Orujov as political prisoners.