Activists raise enough money for treatment of Azerbaijani oppositionist Mekhman Guseinov

Mekhman Guseinov, a well-known Azerbaijani blogger, has begun to receive treatment for cancer in a Swiss clinic. The money for his medical treatment was raised through the "gofundme.com" platform.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that about 76,800 US dollars were needed for the medical treatment of the oppositionist. Human rights defenders supported the fundraising. They associated the Mekhman Guseinov's state of health with his imprisonment.

Blogger's brother Emin Guseinov, the co-founder of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety, "has been positively surprised by the responsiveness of citizens of Azerbaijan and other countries." 2100 people donated the required amount within several days.

"Philanthropy and the solidarity of people ... prove that being together, we are able to solve the acute problems of our society," stated Emin Guseinov.

According to him, Mekhman Guseinov devoted 10 years to the fight against corruption and the protection of human rights in Azerbaijan.

"During that time, he constantly experienced difficulties, including administrative pressure and torture, a five-year ban on foreign travels, illegal cancellation of his documents, and two years of imprisonment," emphasized Emin Guseinov.

Moreover, according to him, "the Azerbaijani authorities have repeatedly deprived Mekhman of the opportunity to undergo proper medical examination and treatment."

"In late 2019-early 2020, Mekhman was exposing corruption during the elections. He was brutally tortured and beaten for that," Emin Guseinov added.