Human rights defenders pointed to the deterioration of the detention conditions of the leader of the opposition Azerbaijani party.

The conditions of detention for the leader of the opposition party, the Popular Front of Azerbaijan, Ali Kerimli, in the pre-trial detention center have significantly worsened in recent months. His contacts with family are restricted, and he is not provided with medical examinations, his associates and human rights defenders stated.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", the administration of the pre-trial detention center did not provide the leader of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan, Ali Kerimli, with a medical examination, he is held in poor sanitary conditions, and his access to drinking water is limited, stated the International Human Rights Society. Human rights defenders called on the Azerbaijani authorities to stop the criminal prosecution of the oppositionist and release him.

The Popular Front of Azerbaijan party stated about the violation of the rights of its detained leader, former Secretary of State and ex-deputy of the Azerbaijani parliament, Ali Kerimli. As noted in the document, over the past three months, "the authorities have demonstrated particularly cruel treatment towards Ali Kerimli," which contradicts not only the European Prison Rules, of which Azerbaijan is a participant, but also the "Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War."

Furthermore, forms of "violation of fundamental rights" of Ali Kerimli are listed. In particular, as stated by the PFPA, Kerimli continues to be held together with a mentally unstable person who performs noisy "rituals" at night, disturbing the oppositionist's sleep. Kerimli is deprived of visits and phone communication with his family, as well as the opportunity to familiarize himself with daily news. There is a ban on television broadcasting in his cell. Correspondence intended for Kerimli and written materials sent by him are confiscated in the pre-trial detention center. His right to use the library is completely restricted.

"Despite the right to be outdoors for two hours a day, he is allowed to be outside for only 15-30 minutes. Unlike other detainees, his access to the gym has been terminated to harm his physical health. Despite requests from lawyers, he is not provided with professional medical examinations," the statement further says.

Moreover, according to his associates, conditions are not created for Kerimli to consume drinking water normally, and the quantity of food and other items sent by his family is accepted in minimal volume. Three months ago, an electric kettle was also confiscated from his cell.

At the same time, the statement continues, the relevant courts refuse to consider issues related to the violation of Kerimli's rights. The PFPA claims that Ali Kerimli's right to defense is deliberately violated, in particular, he is not provided with the opportunity to prepare petitions for the court.

"In the repressive policy of the Azerbaijani authorities towards Ali Kerimli, a dangerous strategy of eliminating him by leading him to serious illnesses is clearly visible, similar to what happened earlier with his late deputy, Geyzal Bayramly," the PFPA statement further says.

The party reminds that the responsibility for Kerimli's health and safety lies with the Azerbaijani state, and the authorities of the country will be held accountable for any possible consequences of the mentioned treatment regarding his health and life.

The PFPA called on the local and international community to prioritize the issue of Ali Kerimli's health and safety in dialogue with the Azerbaijani authorities and demanded that the government immediately release the oppositionist.

The Canadian-based International Human Rights Organization Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights issued a statement calling on the international community to intervene regarding Kerimli's detention "in conditions of torture in custody." The organization calls for urgent international actions against the backdrop of the alarming deterioration of the conditions of detention of the leader of the Azerbaijani opposition, Ali Kerimli.

"The deterioration of the conditions of detention of Ali Kerimli and their transformation into inhumane has reached a critical point. This situation creates a serious and constantly growing threat to his health and life. His defenders have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights requesting urgent interim measures in accordance with Rule 39 of the Court's regulations. We welcome the fact that the court, having considered the appeal, requested information from the Azerbaijani government; however, our deep concern about the situation, which poses a threat to Mr. Kerimli's life, remains," the organization's statement says.

Kerimli's family and lawyers informed the human rights center that the politician "has sharply lost weight and is experiencing severe physical exhaustion." "On August 6, when he was being taken to the court session, he lost consciousness due to severe dehydration, and later fell during the court proceedings," the statement further says.

"The ongoing deterioration of his detention conditions and health condition again indicates the need for urgent international actions. We call on Canada and countries that share a similar position to use all available means to protect Mr. Ali Kerimli's life and ensure his immediate release, including applying sanctions against those responsible in accordance with the existing sanctions legislation," the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights statement concludes.