Ruslan Izzetli Complains About Lack of Medical Care in Pre-trial Detention

Ruslan Izzetli

Ruslan Izzetli, a member of the Institute of Democratic Initiatives and Platform III Republic who was arrested in the Toplum TV case, has complained about the lack of effective medical assistance provided to him in the pre-trial detention center (SIZO).

In a statement posted on Izzetli's Facebook account, the activist notes that a month ago, he requested an ultrasound examination at Baku Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1 due to the exacerbation of his gallstone disease, but he has still not been scheduled for a doctor's appointment.

"Because of the pain at night, I am already forced to take painkiller injections.

What worries me most is whether there are any changes in my gallbladder. This organ has lost its functionality," Izzetli writes.

He notes that he requires surgical operation on his gallbladder, but this is impossible under prison conditions; however, Izzetli tries to monitor his health.

"In particular, I pay close attention to my diet. However, the pain has intensified in recent days. This necessitates an ultrasound examination. But apparently, the Penitentiary Service does not have a specialist doctor in this field. There used to be a doctor named Orkhan who conducted examinations. However, since he resigned, we have been left to our own devices here," Izzetli continues.

Generally, according to him, the medical service of the Ministry of Justice is in an "unfit condition."

"There are virtually no professional or specialized doctors. The reason is clear: no one wants to work for a low salary. As a result, thousands of prisoners are deprived of effective medical care," Izzetli writes.

Ruslan Izzetli was arrested in March 2024 in connection with the Toplum TV case.

The defendants in this case—activists and journalists who were initially accused of currency smuggling—were charged with six new criminal articles in January 2025. They face up to 12 years in prison.

Besides Izzetli, the defendants include the publication's founder, Alesker Mammadli, Toplum TV employees Mushvig Jabbar and Farid Ismayilov, as well as the head of Toplum TV's partner organization, the Institute of Democratic Initiatives, Akif Gurbanov, and the institute's employees, Ali Zeynal, Ramil Babayev, Ilkin Amrakhov, and Elmir Abbasov. The latter is the only defendant who is free under police supervision; all others have been remanded in custody.