N. Ibrahim's Health Deteriorates Due to Hunger Strike in Pre-Trial Detention Center

Nijat Ibrahim

In Azerbaijan, the health condition of activist Nijat Ibrahim has deteriorated as a result of a prolonged hunger strike in the pre-trial detention center (SIZO).

Nijat Ibrahim is known for his critical statements against the police on social media. On September 6, 2024, border guards prevented him from flying from Baku to Chișinău. Four days later, he was arrested. He was charged with intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm in a generally dangerous manner motivated by hooliganism, and hooliganism involving the use of a weapon.

In late July, a court in Baku sentenced the activist Ibrahim to 6.5 years in prison. He pleaded not guilty. On October 6, the Baku Court of Appeal upheld the verdict. In court, Ibrahim stated that he had already been on a hunger strike for 21 days to protest against the baseless criminal prosecution.

N. Ibrahim is on his 28th day of a hunger strike to protest against the unfounded criminal prosecution and the unjust verdict, his wife Parvin Ibrahim stated on October 13, after a phone conversation with her husband.

During the phone call, the activist's voice sounded very weak, and he lacked the strength to speak, his wife added.

It should be noted that after his arrest, N. Ibrahim attempted suicide several times due to being arrested on false charges.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has not commented on N. Ibrahim's arrest.

The activist has been recognized as a political prisoner by human rights defenders.