Detained Trade-Union Chair Mammadov Exposes Inhumane Jail Conditions

Afiaddin Mammadov

Afiaddin Mammadov, chairperson of the “Workers’ Desk” Trade-Union Confederation, has been detained since 20 September 2023 on hooliganism charges. His recent complaints about intolerable, unsanitary conditions and outright denial of medical care at Penitentiary No. 2 spark fresh outcry from human-rights observers and fellow activists.

Background

Founded on 1 March 2022, the “Workers’ Desk” confederation defends labor rights in Azerbaijan. Mammadov rose to prominence organizing protests against unfair fines and police crackdowns. He first faced a 30-day administrative arrest in 2023 during a mopeds-impound protest, then—on 20 September 2023—was charged under Criminal-Code Articles 221.3 and 228.4 for “hooliganism with a weapon” and “illegal possession.” On 14 January 2025, the Baku Court for Grave Crimes sentenced him to eight years in prison.

Prison Conditions

In a statement to Toplum TV, “Workers’ Desk” reports that Penitentiary No. 2 holds over 250 inmates but provides only four sanitary units. “As a result, prisoners are forced to wait in line for hours,” the confederation warns. Worse still, kitchen and sleeping areas are infested by mice:

“Mice roam freely in the kitchen, gnaw through food boxes, and eat the meals. They also wander through the sleeping areas.”

Health CrisisMammadov’s health is deteriorating with no adequate care. According to the 29 May statement:

“Prisoners are not provided with medication. On some days, there are no doctors in the facility at all. Complaints from those in need of surgery are ignored. Afiaddin has had a fever for two days, is shivering, and has a swollen throat. Yesterday there was no doctor; today he was given irrelevant medication.”

Political Context & ChargesMammadov and three fellow confederation members (Elvin Mustafayev, Ayxan Israfiliov, and Möhyaddin Orucov) maintain that all charges are fabricated to silence independent labor activism. In April 2025, Alan Mitchell, Chair of the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture, noted persistent informal hierarchies and overcrowding in Azerbaijani prisons, underscoring systemic issues beyond this one case.

Solidarity & Next Steps

“Workers’ Desk” has formally demanded that the Penitentiary Service remedy Mammadov’s detention conditions and provide necessary medical treatment. International NGOs and labor rights advocates are now calling for transparent investigations and humane standards for all detainees.

ConclusionAs Afiaddin Mammadov serves his eight-year sentence, his situation highlights wider concerns over political repression and prison standards in Azerbaijan. The coming weeks will show whether domestic authorities or international bodies will secure basic rights for him—and for the many others enduring similar conditions.