Azerbaijani activist Alizamin Salaev transferred to medical unit in penal colony

Alizamin Salaev, a member of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), convicted on the charge of defamation, has succeeded in seeking his transfer to a medical unit in the penal colony. The defence filed a complaint about the court’s refusal in conditional early relief for the oppositionist.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that Alizamin Salaev is serving his sentence on the charge of defamation and insult after disseminating on social media a video criticizing a policeman. The activist complained about beatings in the penal colony after he had declared a hunger strike. On September 18, 2020, a son of the oppositionist announced that his father continued the hunger strike, which was also provoked by the oppression in the penal colony. In February, family members of Alizamin Salaev pointed out that his condition had deteriorated sharply, but he was not receiving medical care. After that, Alizamin Salaev received medical assistance. However, he then again complained about the lack of medical care, and on August 4, he went on a hunger strike in protest again. On August 6, the court refused Alizamin Salaev in conditional early relief (CER). On the same day, the activist ended his hunger strike after assurances from the penal colony administration that he would be transferred to the medical unit or medical institution of the Penitentiary Service.

Alizamin Salaev was transferred to the medical and sanitary unit of the penal colony two days later, on August 12, activist’s son Ogtai Salaev reported. The young man noted that his father no longer had any complaints about the conditions of detention and the lack of medical assistance. According to Ogtai Salaev, his father began to receive medical treatment earlier this week, and his condition is satisfactory.

Advocate Elchin Sadygov announced his intention to file one more complaint in connection with the non-admission of advocate Alizamin Salaev on August 3.

Rufat Safarov, the executive director of the NGO “Line of Defence”, notes that the human rights defenders are monitoring the situation with Alizamin Salaev.