Seven persons are on hunger strike in solidarity with Salekh Rustamov

A hunger strike is underway in Baku demanding the release of Salekh Rustamov, who has been on his hunger strike for 39 days; and for the last two days, he has been on a dry hunger strike – he refuses to drink water and take medicines. Salekh's brother and six other activists are hunger-striking in solidarity with him.

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 his non-coverage by the announced amnesty. On Tuesday (December 14), Rustamov's health condition deteriorated sharply, his advocate and relatives have reported. The invited Turkish specialists diagnosed Rustamov with the death of his brain cells.

Apart from Talekh Rustamov, Salekh's brother, the activist, Ilkin Rustamzade, the PFPA members, Mamed Ibragim, Seimur Akhmedsoy and Djeikhun Novruzov, and Elman Guliev, a member of the "Musavat" Party, are also hunger-striking. Zakrulla Nagiev, another PFPA activist, has also joined the solidarity hunger strike.

According to Talekh Rustamov, his sister Egyana Rustamova and his cousin suspended their hunger strike launched on December 13, at activists' request.

Ali Kerimli, the PFPA leader, has noted that the hunger strike movement with the demand of Rustamov's liberation is growing in Azerbaijan.

This action has become a forced measure, said Djeikhun Novruzov, a hunger-striker.

Adil Geibulla, a doctor, treats the health condition of Salekh Rustamov as life-threatening. According to his story, declaring a dry hunger strike is a direct threat to Salekh's life.