Relatives seek medical assistance for Bakhtiyar Gadzhiev, convicted in Azerbaijan

The relatives of public activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, who is in prison in Azerbaijan, are concerned about the restrictions on his rights and his lack of access to effective medical care.

As "Kavkazsky Uzel" reported, on January 13, the court sentenced the head of the Institute of Public Policy Bakhtiyar Hajiyev to 10 years in prison. Bakhtiyar Hajiyev considers his criminal case a "political order" in retaliation for calls for international sanctions against human rights violators in Azerbaijan. On April 7, the Court of Appeal upheld the sentence.

The rights of Gadzhiev, who is being held in Correctional Institution No. 6, are being restricted, he is being subjected to rude treatment by the prison staff, and is deprived of meetings with lawyers, the activist's brother told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"Psychological pressure is being exerted on Bakhtiyar. Our parents live in the region and cannot come to visit Bakhtiyar. However, while other prisoners are allowed to contact their relatives via video link, Bakhtiyar is denied this. When he demands that he not be discriminated against, he is treated rudely and sometimes even physically pressured,” Vugar Gadzhiev said.

In addition, he continued, the activist is not provided with “proper medical care.” “His requests for medical care are ignored. Since his arrest, he has only had an electrocardiogram done once. Finally, a month ago, he got a blood test, but they still haven’t given him the results. And Bakhtiyar is not receiving any treatment, despite the pain in his heart and neurological problems,” the activist’s brother continued.

According to him, Bakhtiyar Gadzhiev asked to be transferred to another correctional facility, but in vain. He stated that his relatives are demanding that the activist be transferred to another facility and provided with medical care.

Author: Faik Mejid, source, “Caucasian Knot” correspondent