Azeri journalist Mukhtarly complains about health deterioration and his rights violation at SIZO

The journalist, who is suffering from diabetes mellitus, is deprived of medical care, hot food and fresh air at the SIZO (pre-trial prison); and his rights to telephone conversations and meetings with relatives are constantly violated. This was stated by his advocate Elchin Sadygov.

Earlier, Leyla Mustafaeva, Afghan Mukhtarly's wife, told the "Caucasian Knot" that her husband suffered from heart pains and received no medication.

Mr Mukhtarly complains about custody conditions at SIZO-1 in Baku and deterioration of his health, Sadygov said, reminding that his client suffers from acute diabetes mellitus and needs constant treatment.

The journalist also complained to his advocate about stomach pains that appeared because of absence of hot food. According to Sadygov, Mukhtarly lost 16 kilograms of his body weight after his arrest.

Also, according to the advocate, Mukhtarly is not allowed to phone his relatives and meet them.

Elshan Gasanov, the head of the Monitoring Centre of Political Prisoners, has recalled that detainees have the right to regular visits and telephone conversations. Afghan Mukhtarly also has the right to demand the necessary medical care, he said.

"The SIZO bosses and the Penitentiary Service are responsible for the life and health of their prisoners," Mr Gasanov has stressed.

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