Azerbaijani oppositionist ends hunger strike on 40th day

In pretrial detention, Azerbaijani opposition politician Tofig Yagublu agreed to end his hunger strike on the 40th day at the request of his relatives. During this time, he lost more than 20 kg.

The politician's daughter Nigar Hazi wrote on social media that she saw him in a terrible state.

"My blood ran cold. I begged him to stop his hunger strike. I just asked him to stop this hunger strike for me, my mother, my brother and our relatives," she shared.

According to the lawyer, Yagublu complained of dizziness and severe abdominal pain, his weight dropped to 76.2 kg. A few days ago, he was taken to a meeting with his relatives in a wheelchair. However, the court refuses to transfer him to house arrest.

In March, a Baku court sentenced Tofig Yagublu to nine years in prison. He pointed out the lack of evidence and falsification of the criminal case. Yagublu is known for criticizing the Azerbaijani authorities. At the end of 2023, he was arrested on charges of fraud and document forgery. Before that, the politician had been repeatedly subjected to criminal and administrative prosecution. International organizations recognized him as a prisoner of conscience.

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