Azerbaijani journalist stops hunger strike

Ikram Ragimov, an Azerbaijani journalist demanding to reconsider his verdict under the extortion case, has begun eating after 29 days of his hunger strike.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 12, a court in Baku found Ikram Ragimov, the editor-in-chief of the "Realliq.info" website, guilty of extortion and sentenced him to 5.5 years in prison. On August 7, he went on a hunger strike, demanding an objective review of his appeal against the verdict. On September 3, Ragimov announced that he was ready to hunger-strike to death.

"The convict, Ikram Ragimov, has stopped his hunger strike and begun eating. He has no health problems," the Penitentiary Service has informed.

"Ikram felt extremely bad; he could not even rise in his bed. After doctors' persistent persuasions, Ikram has stopped his hunger strike. But he is still in grave condition," said Galib Gasanov, Ragimov's cousin.

He has added that, despite his weakness, Ragimov remains alert and intends to continue seeking the termination of his criminal case.

The journalist believes that the goal of his protest action has been partially achieved, since his case received an international resonance, Mr Gasanov has stated. "The case has interested the Embassies of the USA, Germany, and the EU mission ... It became clear to everyone that Ikram was prosecuted on far-fetched charges," he has stated.