Religious Activist Hospitalized After Alleged Police Torture and Forced Drug Confession

Muslim Unity Movement member Elgiz Mammadov

Elgiz Mammadov, a member of the banned Muslim Unity Movement, has been hospitalized in serious condition at Clinical Medical Center No. 1 following his detention and alleged torture by Azerbaijani police on June 10, 2025.

Mammadov was detained without stated cause while working as a delivery driver in Baku's Keshla settlement, according to his family and the Muslim Unity Movement. Unknown individuals took him from his workplace, leaving his service vehicle behind.

Allegations of Torture and Forced Confession

Following his detention, Mammadov was taken to Nizami District Police Department where he was allegedly subjected to physical torture. According to his spouse, speaking to Toplum TV, police attempted to force him to record a confession video admitting to drug possession.

"Here they subjected him to physical torture and attempted to film a confession video regarding narcotic substances being found on him. However, he rejected the accusation and said he had no connection with narcotics," his spouse reported.

The situation escalated when Mammadov was allegedly given water that caused severe health complications within minutes. His family believes the water was laced with narcotics as part of an attempt to create false evidence.

"Usually, giving narcotics through water to believers who do not accept drug-related accusations is not a new occurrence in police stations. Through this method, they create false evidence for court by having the examination confirm narcotics in his blood," family members stated.

Legal Documentation and Response

Mammadov's lawyer, Zibeyda Sadiqova, documented visible torture marks on his body and filed a complaint with the Ombudsman's Office. The severity of Mammadov's health reaction to the alleged drugged water required immediate hospitalization at what was initially reported as Emergency Medical Aid Hospital No. 1, later identified as Clinical Medical Center No. 1.

Pattern of Targeting

This is not Mammadov's first encounter with authorities. He was previously detained on May 20, 2022, outside the Baku Court for Grave Crimes during proceedings for another Muslim Unity Movement member, Razi Humbatov. He received a 30-day administrative detention and was reportedly tortured, beaten, and threatened with rape before being forced to promise not to return to court.

The Muslim Unity Movement, whose leadership has been imprisoned since the November 26, 2015 Nardaran events, continues to face systematic persecution. According to the "Freedom for Azerbaijan's Political Prisoners" Union, 241 believers are currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan on political grounds as of June 9, 2025.

Current Status

Mammadov is expected to appear in court while still hospitalized, facing what the Muslim Unity Movement describes as yet another fabricated drug charge designed to defame religious activists.

"Undoubtedly, the next drug accusation will cause another believer to be defamed," the organization stated in their press release.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of religious minorities and political activists in Azerbaijan, where human rights organizations have documented systematic persecution of independent voices and religious groups.