Elchin Mamed's health condition worsens in prison

Elchin Mamed, an Azerbaijani human rights defender, convicted of theft, has complained about his leg pains and difficulties in walking, his colleagues have informed.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on October 16, 2020, the Sumgait City Court found Elchin Mamed guilty of theft and illegal possession of weapons and sentenced him to four years in prison.

Elchin Mamed's health condition has worsened in prison, the NGO "Legal Enlightenment of Sumgait Youth", headed by Mamed, has stated.

According to the NGO, Mamed's legs have got swollen, and it's difficult for him to walk. Besides, Mamed is sick with hepatitis, the "Turan" News Agency reported at night on March 29.

Elchin Mamed is the head of the above NGO and the editor-in-chief of the website "Yukselish Namine" (In the Name of Reconnaissance). He insists on his innocence, treats the accusations against him as "delusion" and linked the case against him to a critical report on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan published by the above NGO.

Let us remind you that the human rights organization "Amnesty International" (AI) has demanded the release of Mamed, claiming that the criminal case is based on trumped-up charges and is a sort of revenge for his human rights work and critical reports on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan. The Union "For Freedom of Political Prisoners" of Azerbaijan has declared Elchin Mamed to be a political prisoner.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on March 29, 2021 at 09:35 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.