Advocate expresses concern for Salekh Rustamov's life

On the 29th day of his hunger strike, Salekh Rustamov shows clear signs of disorders in his nervous system, his advocate has stated, adding that on December 6, Rustamov will make the final decision on starting a dry hunger strike.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on November 6, Salekh Rustamov, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) went on a hunger strike in protest against the fact that he had not been covered by the amnesty. On November 30, political parties of Azerbaijan demanded to release Rustamov. On the 28th day of his hunger strike, Rustamov began fainting, his advocate reported.

According to Bakhruz Bairamov, the advocate, doctors of the prison hospital are also concerned about Rustamov's fate. "If he refuses to drink water, then, according to doctors, he will not survive even a day. At the same time, he rejects any forced feeding," the advocate has added.

Bakhruz Bairamov is sure that "should there be political will, the issue of his release can be solved in 10-15 minutes." "This can be a pardoning, which was repeatedly requested by public members, or a decision of the Plenum of the Supreme Court. But so far, there is no authorities' reaction," Bairamov has noted.

Human rights activists are also concerned about Rustamov's fate.

"We don't understand authorities' callousness to this person. Various political and public groups, even NGOs with a pro-government position, have come forward in his defence ... At least for humane reasons, he must be released," said Tezekhan Miralamli, a member of the NGO "Defence Line".