Journalist Mirkadyrov arrested in Azerbaijan hospitalized

Journalist Rauf Mirkadyrov kept in SIZO (pre-trial prison) has been transferred to a medical treatment facility of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for comprehensive medical examination because of deterioration of his health state. This was reported by his advocate.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 18, 2014, Rauf Mirkadyrov, an observer of the Russian-language Azerbaijani newspaper "Zerkalo", was detained in Ankara. After the deportation from Turkey, he was detained in Azerbaijan and taken in custody. On May 6, the Nasimi District Court extended the period of Rauf Mirkadyrov's detention for four months, until September 19.

Rauf Mirkadyrov is charged with espionage in favour of Armenia. The journalist denies all the charges. His colleagues and international human rights organizations condemn his prosecution.

On August 25, Rauf Mirkadyrov was transferred to the medical facility of the Azerbaijani MoJ for comprehensive medical examination in connection with diagnosed health problems, said advocate Fuad Agaev.

The advocate has noted that recently, no investigation actions in the Rauf Mirkadyrov's case were carried out.

It should be noted that in June, other advocate Elmar Suleimanov reported on Rauf Mirkadyrov's complaints about the deterioration of his health state in connection with sudden changes in his blood pressure.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.