Azerbaijan: Health of imprisoned government critics at risk as another political activist faces extradition threat

Reacting to reports of the deteriorating health of opposition leader Ali Karimli and media expert Alasgar Mammadli, both detained in Azerbaijan, and the threat of extradition from Ukraine to Azerbaijan of political activist Bahruz Hasanli, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said:

“According to family members and lawyers, Ali Karimli and Alasgar Mammadli have suffered a severe deterioration in their health due to inadequate prison conditions and a lack of essential health care. Ali Karimli has been denied access to clean drinking water and ventilation, which may amount to torture or other ill-treatment. Alasgar Mammadli’s lawyers have repeatedly requested that he be transferred to house arrest given his health problems which have seriously worsened in detention.”

“Ali Karimli and Alasgar Mammadli are among hundreds of individuals who have fallen victim to Azerbaijan’s intensifying campaign of political repression, targeting journalists, activists, outspoken government critics and opposition politicians. Another victim of these reprisals is Bahruz Hasanli, a political activist who used to serve as Ali Karimli’s security guard. He is currently at risk of extradition from Ukraine to Azerbaijan where he could face torture and other ill-treatment.