Azerbaijani oppositionist goes on hunger strike in prison

Mamed Ibragim, an advisor to the chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), has started a hunger strike in a punishment cell after the Penitentiary Service of Azerbaijan confirmed a knife had been found with him.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on September 27, two days before the expiration of his imprisonment term, Mamed Ibragim, an advisor to the PFPA's chairman, was sent to a punishment cell. Mamed Ibragim reported he had been placed to the punishment cell in connection with an alleged discovery of a knife under his pillow. His party colleagues and activists expressed their concern that a new criminal case could be falsified against Mamed Ibragim to leave him in prison.

The Penitentiary Service of Azerbaijan has confirmed an investigation is underway against Mamed Ibragim in connection with "a piercing and cutting weapon object found at his place" and his placement to the punishment cell. Today, the activist has declared a hunger strike in protest.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on September 28, 2018 at 02:16 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.