Izzetli's worsening condition has alarmed his loved ones.

The condition of Ruslan Izzetli, arrested in Baku, has worsened due to gallstone disease. The activist's wife, who had been recommended surgery even before his arrest, expressed fear for his life.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," Ruslan Izzetli was arrested in March 2024. On the eve of his arrest, doctors prescribed urgent gallbladder surgery. On November 28, 2025, Izzetli stated that a month ago he had requested an ultrasound examination due to an exacerbation of his gallstone disease, but had still not been scheduled for an appointment with a doctor. He stated that due to the pain, he is forced to inject himself with painkillers at night.

Ruslan Izzetli's wife, Gunel Manafli, visited him on December 20 in Baku's SIZO-1, after which she expressed concern for his life.

Even painkillers are no longer helping Ruslan.

"Ruslan's worsening gallstone disease is already affecting his appearance. His face is severely swollen, and he looks pale. The gallstone poses a threat to his life. Gallbladder inflammation can lead to sepsis and blood poisoning. The harbingers of this threat are attacks that have been ongoing for many weeks. Even painkillers are no longer helping Ruslan," she told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent today.

In her opinion, Izzetli needs urgent gallbladder removal. "Even before Ruslan's arrest, doctors insisted on performing the surgery. But due to the arrest, the surgery was postponed. Over the past 1.5 years, Ruslan's condition has worsened further and reached a critical level. The surgery has become an urgent necessity. We want this surgery to be performed in a civilian clinic by doctors we trust. For this, Ruslan must be released from custody. However, the court is denying this," Manafli said, adding that her husband is even being denied transfer to a prison hospital.

The Penitentiary Service was unable to comment, a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reported.

As a reminder, Toplum TV founder Alesker Mammadli also requires specialized medical care. After complaining of pain, he underwent a medical examination at a Baku pretrial detention center, where doctors diagnosed him with kidney disease and indicated the need for surgery. However, he was not transferred to inpatient treatment. According to his brother, Alesker Mammadli also suffers from asthma attacks due to a thyroid tumor, headaches, and blood pressure surges.

On December 8, during a court hearing, Alesker Mammadli's condition worsened, requiring medical attention. On December 15, Mammadli filed a motion to be transferred to house arrest due to the need for surgery. However, the court refused to soften his pre-trial detention.

The number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan reached its highest point in 2024 since the country's 23-year membership in the Council of Europe, according to the "Caucasian Knot" report "Key Points to the Record Number of Political Prisoners in Azerbaijan." At the same time, the Azerbaijani authorities deny the existence of political prisoners in the country.