Yagublu ended his hunger strike at the request of his family

Azerbaijani opposition politician Tofig Yagublu ended his hunger strike on the 26th day at the request of his family. His daughter believes the hunger strike partially achieved its goal and sparked an international response.

According to the Caucasian Knot, Azerbaijani opposition politician Tofig Yagublu has been placed in solitary confinement. His daughter attributes the punishment to her brother's participation in a protest in Washington, D.C., outside the hotel where the Azerbaijani president was staying. In protest, Yagublu declared a hunger strike. On March 2, his family reported that his health had noticeably worsened. By March 10, Yagublu had lost 10 kilograms (22 pounds) but refused to end his protest. On March 12, he fainted.

Tofig Yagublu ended his hunger strike on March 20, the politician's daughter, Nigar Hazi, announced. "Yesterday, March 20th, was the 26th day of my father's hunger strike. In the morning, my father called unexpectedly, as his phone call was not scheduled. My mother and I literally begged him to end the hunger strike. We conveyed that his relatives, comrades, and public activists had conveyed this request to him. We also told my father that his hunger strike had attracted considerable international attention, and that several international organizations, especially the US Congress, were taking special care of my father's case. We also asked my father not to disappoint us on the day of the double holiday – Ramadan and Novruz Bayram. After that, my father finally agreed to end his hunger strike," Hazi told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

In her opinion, Yagublu's action partially achieved its goal, drawing close attention abroad.

"Serious steps are being taken in the US to protect my father. The Tom Lantos Commission, a US Congressional Human Rights body, has publicly called for my father's release. "There's just a lot I don't want to talk about right now. When the defense makes an official announcement, the public will know," Hazi said.

"Tofig Yagublu is a prominent Azerbaijani political opposition figure who has been illegally detained since December 2023. He has now been on a hunger strike for 26 days in protest of his mistreatment. The situation is critical—his life is in danger. Baku must release him and allow him to receive the necessary medical care," reads a post on the Tom Lantos Commission's X page on the US social media platform, published on March 20. Hazi noted that Yagublu's family was allowed to see him in the afternoon of March 20. "Before coming, my father ate. Of course, 26 days of hunger strike have left their mark. His body is severely emaciated, he was very lethargic, and moved slowly. However, my father remains in good spirits," Hazi noted.

Lawyer Nemat Kerimli confirmed Yagublu's end of his hunger strike.

According to him, the date for the Supreme Court to announce its decision on Yagublu's case has not yet been determined.

The Penitentiary Service was unable to comment.