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Rashad Ramazanov
Blogger
Illegal drug acquisition or possession with intent to sell, Art. 234.4.3 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan
2022-05-20
Occupation:
Charges:
Arested:
Status:
Rashad Ramazanov, also known by his pen name Rashad Hagigat Agaaddin, is an Azerbaijani blogger and writer renowned for his critical commentary on government policies. His outspoken views have led to multiple arrests and significant legal challenges.
Background and Arrests:
- 2013 Arrest and Imprisonment: On May 9, 2013, Ramazanov was arrested on charges of illegal possession and sale of drugs. He was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison. Human rights organizations have criticized these charges as politically motivated, given his history of anti-government writings.
- 2019 Release: In March 2019, Ramazanov was released under a presidential pardon. Despite his release, he continued to face legal challenges.
- 2022 Re-arrest: On May 20, 2022, Ramazanov was detained again on charges of illegal drug possession. He denied these allegations, claiming that the drugs were planted by law enforcement officials. His wife reported that he was subjected to physical and psychological pressure during detention.
Current Conditions:
As of early 2025, Ramazanov is serving a prison sentence in colony number 15. He has reported poor living conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and substandard food quality. Prison authorities have confirmed instances of physical abuse following his detention.
Health Concerns:
Ramazanov's health has been a significant concern. In January 2019, he ended a hunger strike protesting his detention, leaving him in poor health. He also suffers from tuberculosis, contracted during a previous arbitrary detention in 2005.
International Attention:
Ramazanov's case has drawn international attention. PEN International has highlighted his situation, expressing concern over his health and the conditions of his imprisonment. They continue to call for his immediate and unconditional release, considering the charges against him to be politically motivated.
Recent Developments:
In January 2025, Ramazanov's wife reported that he was subjected to physical and psychological pressure in prison, leading to significant distress. She appealed to national authorities, including the Ombudsman and the Minister of Justice, to address the situation.
As of April 2025, Rashad Ramazanov remains incarcerated, with ongoing concerns regarding his health, the fairness of his trial, and the conditions of his detention.
Rashad Ramazanov, also known by his pen name Rashad Hagigat Agaaddin, is an Azerbaijani blogger and writer renowned for his critical commentary on government policies. His outspoken views have led to multiple arrests and significant legal challenges.
Background and Arrests:
- 2013 Arrest and Imprisonment: On May 9, 2013, Ramazanov was arrested on charges of illegal possession and sale of drugs. He was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison. Human rights organizations have criticized these charges as politically motivated, given his history of anti-government writings.
- 2019 Release: In March 2019, Ramazanov was released under a presidential pardon. Despite his release, he continued to face legal challenges.
- 2022 Re-arrest: On May 20, 2022, Ramazanov was detained again on charges of illegal drug possession. He denied these allegations, claiming that the drugs were planted by law enforcement officials. His wife reported that he was subjected to physical and psychological pressure during detention.
Current Conditions:
As of early 2025, Ramazanov is serving a prison sentence in colony number 15. He has reported poor living conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and substandard food quality. Prison authorities have confirmed instances of physical abuse following his detention.
Health Concerns:
Ramazanov's health has been a significant concern. In January 2019, he ended a hunger strike protesting his detention, leaving him in poor health. He also suffers from tuberculosis, contracted during a previous arbitrary detention in 2005.
International Attention:
Ramazanov's case has drawn international attention. PEN International has highlighted his situation, expressing concern over his health and the conditions of his imprisonment. They continue to call for his immediate and unconditional release, considering the charges against him to be politically motivated.
Recent Developments:
In January 2025, Ramazanov's wife reported that he was subjected to physical and psychological pressure in prison, leading to significant distress. She appealed to national authorities, including the Ombudsman and the Minister of Justice, to address the situation.
As of April 2025, Rashad Ramazanov remains incarcerated, with ongoing concerns regarding his health, the fairness of his trial, and the conditions of his detention.
Rashad Ramazanov
Blogger
Illegal drug acquisition or possession with intent to sell, Art. 234.4.3 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan
2022-05-20
Occupation:
Charges:
Arested:
Status:
Rashad Ramazanov, also known by his pen name Rashad Hagigat Agaaddin, is an Azerbaijani blogger and writer renowned for his critical commentary on government policies. His outspoken views have led to multiple arrests and significant legal challenges.
Background and Arrests:
- 2013 Arrest and Imprisonment: On May 9, 2013, Ramazanov was arrested on charges of illegal possession and sale of drugs. He was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison. Human rights organizations have criticized these charges as politically motivated, given his history of anti-government writings.
- 2019 Release: In March 2019, Ramazanov was released under a presidential pardon. Despite his release, he continued to face legal challenges.
- 2022 Re-arrest: On May 20, 2022, Ramazanov was detained again on charges of illegal drug possession. He denied these allegations, claiming that the drugs were planted by law enforcement officials. His wife reported that he was subjected to physical and psychological pressure during detention.
Current Conditions:
As of early 2025, Ramazanov is serving a prison sentence in colony number 15. He has reported poor living conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and substandard food quality. Prison authorities have confirmed instances of physical abuse following his detention.
Health Concerns:
Ramazanov's health has been a significant concern. In January 2019, he ended a hunger strike protesting his detention, leaving him in poor health. He also suffers from tuberculosis, contracted during a previous arbitrary detention in 2005.
International Attention:
Ramazanov's case has drawn international attention. PEN International has highlighted his situation, expressing concern over his health and the conditions of his imprisonment. They continue to call for his immediate and unconditional release, considering the charges against him to be politically motivated.
Recent Developments:
In January 2025, Ramazanov's wife reported that he was subjected to physical and psychological pressure in prison, leading to significant distress. She appealed to national authorities, including the Ombudsman and the Minister of Justice, to address the situation.
As of April 2025, Rashad Ramazanov remains incarcerated, with ongoing concerns regarding his health, the fairness of his trial, and the conditions of his detention.