16:59, 19 February 2004

Yeni Musavat editor-in-chief Rauf Arifoglu stops hunger strike

Editor-in-chief of the Yeni Musavat newspaper stopped his hunger strike on February 17. As reported by a high-ranking official at Bailovsky Investigatory Isolation Ward 1, the state of Arifoglu's health worsened and isolation ward workers had to warn him of the possibility of using forced feeding. Then Arifoglu decided to stop the action. The Committee to Protect Rights of Rauf Arifoglu confirmed the information that he stopped his action. Thus, two opposition leaders continue the hunger strike action at the Bailovskaya prison now: Panakh Guseynov, leader of the People's Party, and Arif Gadjiyev, deputy chair of the Musavat Party. The state of their health does not cause anxiety so far, reported the source at the isolation ward.

Editors note: See also the article "70 Bailovskaya prison inmates continue hunger strike".

Source: Echo (Azerbaijan)