Azerbaijani oppositionist goes on hunger strike in SIZO

Ismail Gasanov, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), is on a hunger strike since August 16 at a Baku SIZO (pre-trial prison) in protest against his criminal prosecution and violation of his right to communicate by phone with his family.

Ismail was detained on July 19 in the case of an unsanctioned action in support of the army in Baku, Emil Salim, the head of the PFPA's youth committee, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that at night on July 15, a non-sanctioned march took place in Baku in support of the Azerbaijani Army, which ended in activists' clashes with the police. The PFPA reported that dozens of activists were detained after the action.

According to Emil Salim, Gasanov went on a hunger strike on August 16, demanding termination of his criminal case and released from custody.

"Today, Ismail Gasanov was visited by an advocate. It turned out during the meeting that Ismail was on a hunger strike since August 16. He protests against unjustified criminal prosecution, arrest and violation of his rights to telephone calls. After detention, he has never been able to talk on the phone with his family members, although, according to the law, he has the right to call twice a week," Emil Salim has added.

The Union "For Freedom of Political Prisoners" has put Ismail Gasanov on the list of political prisoners.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 17, 2020 at 09:04 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.