Opposition Activist Zamin Salayev Faces Health Deterioration Amidst Political Imprisonment

Zamin Salayev

On June 10, 2025, friends and colleagues of Zamin Salayev, head of the Salyan district branch of the Azerbaijani Popular Front Party (APFP), reported that his health has severely declined behind bars. Salayev—detained since February 7, 2023—has suffered acute cardiac episodes and alleges inadequate medical care.

Zamin Salayev is a veteran APFP activist known for his outspoken criticism of government policies. In April 2020, Salayev was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison under Articles 147.2 (defamation involving wrongful accusation of a serious crime) and 148 (insult) of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code. These charges stemmed from his public allegations—shared via video—against police officer Hamza Azizov for alleged assault. Following a private complaint by Azizov, Salayev was convicted by the Salyan District Court. He was released early, on January 19, 2022, under a general amnesty act.

On February 7, 2023, Salayev was re-arrested and charged under Article 221.3 (hooliganism involving use of a weapon or weapon-like object). The Qaradağ District Court sentenced him to four years’ imprisonment on May 22, 2023. Salayev denies the charges, calling them a staged provocation in retaliation for his political activities.

According to posts shared on Facebook by APFP member Jeyhun Novruzov and other party colleagues, Salayev has endured multiple severe cardiac events in prison:

“He said, ‘I’m having heart problems, I can’t breathe, I’m suffocating, and the doctors are doing nothing.’ He said his condition has worsened severely on two occasions.” — Jeyhun Novruzov (Facebook, June 10, 2025)

Friends note that Salayev has a history of heart failure and has had two stents implanted. As of two weeks ago, he was reportedly transferred to another prison facility, disrupting the continuity of his care.

Details & Quotes

• Personal Account: “He said his heart almost stopped twice. I’d like to remind everyone that Zamin suffers from heart failure and has had two stents placed in his heart,” wrote Novruzov.

• Family Concern: Salayev’s relatives confirm he has long complained of angina-like pains, and they worry the prison’s medical unit is unequipped to handle his condition.

• Official Silence: Neither the Penitentiary Service nor other relevant authorities have responded to requests for comment on Salayev’s medical care.

• Legal Record:

Salayev’s case highlights two intertwined issues in Azerbaijan: the treatment of political dissidents and the quality of healthcare in detention facilities. Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized Azerbaijani authorities for using criminal charges to silence opposition voices. The reported neglect of Salayev’s serious heart condition raises further concerns about prisoners’ right to health and adequate medical treatment under international law.

Political Implications: Salayev’s hunger strike of 114 days in 2023 and his ongoing appeals underscore the depth of his protest against what he calls “judicial persecution.”

Human Rights Perspective: International watchdogs may view the lack of response from penitentiary officials as a violation of Salayev’s rights under the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).

As of June 10, 2025, Zamin Salayev remains incarcerated and in fragile health. His supporters are calling for immediate medical intervention and an independent investigation into both his charges and his treatment in custody. Observers will be watching closely to see whether Azerbaijani authorities address these urgent health concerns or continue to suppress political dissent through legal and administrative means.