Advocate states health deterioration of ex-diplomat Eldar Gasanov

The health condition of Eldar Gasanov, a former Azerbaijani ambassador to Serbia, has deteriorated in custody; he fails to receive the due efficient medical care, his advocate has informed, calling on Fikret Mamedov, the country's Minister of Justice, to provide conditions for Gasanov's proper medical treatment.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Gasanov's defence demanded his release due to his health deteriorating; however, the prosecutor's office insists that the convict has no diseases incompatible with his arrest. In January, he was sentenced to ten years in prison.

Since April 26, Gasanov's health condition has been worsening, his advocate has stated, adding that in his opinion, Gasanov should be under constant medical supervision.

Bashir Suleimanly, the head of the Civil Rights Institute, has noted that regardless of the convict's personality, the penitentiary service must create conditions for inmates' proper quality medical care.

In the opinion of Elshan Gasanov, the head of the Centre for Monitoring Political Prisoners, the person of Eldar Gasanov sparks an ambiguous reaction in the society. "On the one hand, in 1995-2000, being the Public Prosecutor General, he himself participated in repressions against authorities' political opponents. He fell victim to the punitive system in the creation of which he had taken part. On the other hand, his rights as an accused person must be fully respected," Mr Gasanov is sure.