The Detention Duration of “Worker’s Desk”’s Imprisoned Member in the Punishment Cell Has Been Extended by Another 10 Days

Elvin Mustafayev

It has been announced that Elvin Mustafayev, a detained member of the “Worker’s Desk” Trade Unions Confederation, has had his time in the punishment cell (“karser”) prolonged by an additional 10 days.

This was stated by “Worker’s Desk.”

According to the information, he has now been confined in the punishment cell for over 14 days.

Elvin Mustafayev began a hunger strike on May 6, demanding the release of all political prisoners, including Tofiq Yagublu. Following this, he faced pressure and was relocated. For a long period, there was no information about which institution he was held in. Reports indicate that Elvin Mustafayev is currently in the punishment isolation cell of Correctional Institution No. 6. Although he was supposed to be released from there on May 19, it has been reported he will remain for an extra 10 days.

The “Worker’s Desk” organization and his relatives have voiced concerns regarding Elvin Mustafayev’s health and have called for his removal from the punishment cell.

Elvin Mustafayev was detained on August 4, 2023, on drug trafficking charges.

Mustafayev rejects the allegations, asserting that drugs were planted on him.

On January 31, 2024, the Baku Serious Crimes Court sentenced him to three years of imprisonment.

Four members of the “Worker’s Desk” Trade Unions Confederation, established in 2022 to protect workers’ rights in Azerbaijan — Chairman Afiyaddin Mammadov and members Aykhan Israfilov, Elvin Mustafayev, and Mohyaddin Orujov — are currently imprisoned. Although they face various accusations, they consider all charges fabricated and politically motivated.

However, officials deny that there are political prisoners in the country.