Jailed Azerbaijan veteran accuses government of torture and medical neglect

Haji Valiyev

An Azerbaijani war veteran serving a prison sentence has accused the authorities of illegal detention, torture, and denying him essential medical treatment that has left him nearly blind.

Haji Valiyev, the former head of the now-disbanded Young Gazis Public Union, made the appeal from prison, where he has been held for 16 months.

Valiyev, who was sentenced to two years and six months in prison on 6 May 2026, said his health has deteriorated severely and he has been denied access to a central ministry medical facility.

"I feel as if I am in captivity," Valiyev said in a message shared by his supporters. "The Azerbaijani government, which stands on the backs of martyrs and veterans, is intent on blinding my only working eye and withholding my pension."

He said a medical examination in May confirmed he has only 3% vision in his remaining eye, following injuries and trauma sustained during his military service. He also claimed his disability pension has been suspended for two months.

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Internal Affairs has previously rejected allegations of political motivation, stating that Valiyev was detained under a criminal case for hooliganism.

Valiyev was arrested in Baku on 31 March 2025. The arrest occurred shortly after he posted video footage of police officers using force against war veterans working as street vendors in the capital's Yasamal district.

The activist was well-known on social media for highlighting the difficulties faced by conflict veterans and the families of those killed in action, often criticising local officials for neglecting their welfare.

Following his arrest, the board of the Young Gazis Public Union announced on 28 May 2025 that the organisation would suspend all operations.

Despite his deteriorating health, Valiyev said he would not stop fighting for his rights. "I will not step back from my struggle, including the fight for my violated fundamental rights," he said.