Azerbaijani activist lost 40 kg of weight after hunger strike

Activist of the "People’s Front of Azerbaijan" party Zamin Salayev went into a coma after a 79-day hunger strike in the remand centre. He came to from an intravenous drip.

Salaev is in a serious condition and has lost 40 kg of weight. He experiences severe kidney pains, suffers from insomnia. However, he continues his hunger strike, demanding his release.

On 8 February, the Garadagh District Court of Baku arrested Zamin Salayev for three months. Criminal proceedings had been instituted against him for hooliganism and the use of force. He stated that the accusation is false and he is punished for criticizing the authorities on social networks.  Human rights activists have recognized Salaev as a political prisoner.

Последние новости
Tbilisi and Brussels Exchange Accusations Over Legal Proceedings to Ban Opposition
Politics
Tbilisi and Brussels Exchange Accusations Over Legal Proceedings to Ban Opposition
20 October 2026

The Georgian Foreign Ministry has criticized statements made by the European Union regarding legal proceedings that could lead to the banning of five opposition parties. The ministry issued its response following comments made on October 19 by European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand.

Friend of missing Chechen woman fined 150,000 rubles in Grozny
Human rights
Friend of missing Chechen woman fined 150,000 rubles in Grozny
20 October 2026

The Akhmatovsky District Court of Grozny has imposed a fine of 150,000 rubles on Lena Patyayeva, who has been campaigning for an investigation into the abduction and disappearance of her friend, Seda Suleymanova—a native of Chechnya. This was announced by the court’s press service.

General Lapin, called ‘incompetent’ by Kadyrov, becomes deputy prime minister of Tatarstan
News
General Lapin, called ‘incompetent’ by Kadyrov, becomes deputy prime minister of Tatarstan
19 October 2026

On 19 October 2026, the State Council of Tatarstan approved the appointment of Colonel General Alexander Lapin as deputy prime minister of the republic. Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov signed the appointment decree the same day. Lapin had previously been appointed acting deputy prime minister on 29 September 2026.

The dispute between Baku and Yerevan over the issue of landmines has reached a photo exhibition in Rome, though only one side is represented.
Politics
The dispute between Baku and Yerevan over the issue of landmines has reached a photo exhibition in Rome, though only one side is represented.
19 October 2026

On October 17, a photo exhibition opened in Rome as part of a "World Without Mines" campaign, organized by the Azerbaijani public association "Gilavar Photo Club." The exhibition focuses on the threat posed by landmines following the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia—a threat for which the organizers hold Yerevan responsible.