Niyameddin Akhmedov ends hunger strike at SIZO

Niyameddin Akhmedov, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), has stopped his hunger strike on the 21st day thereof after persistent appeals of his parents, friends and political associates, his advocate has informed.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in January 2021, Akhmedov was charged with public appeals against the state and illegal circulation of prohibited items. On October 8, the court sentenced him to 13 years in prison.

Zibeida Sadygova, an advocate, said that on October 12 she visited Niyameddin Akhmedov in Baku SIZO-1 (pre-trial prison) and conveyed to him the request of his relatives, friends and the PFPA leadership urging him to stop his hunger strike. According to her story, Niyameddin looked very weak. He said that he decided to stop the hunger strike.

"He decided to stop the hunger strike, primarily due to concern for his parents. I believe that the hunger strike has partially achieved its goal. There was little public attention to Akhmedov's case. Now, after the hunger strike, more attention has been paid thereto by media and social networks; international organizations and, embassies became interested in it," Ms Sadygova has stated.

She said the defence would take legal steps to stop the criminal case against Akhmedov and to release him.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on October 13, 2021 at 09:00 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.