Health condition of Azerbaijani activist worsens on third day of hunger strike

Elman Guliev, the head of the youth wing of the "Musavat" Party, has sharply dropped blood pressure; and doctors advised him to stop his hunger strike. But he continues it together with Elshad Israfil, another activist.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 9, 2020, Azerbaijan had its parliamentary elections; the Central Election Commission (CEC) announced the victory of the ruling "Eni (New) Azerbaijan" Party. Activists reported massive violations. On February 27, Elman Guliev went on a hunger strike demanding to cancel the election outcomes. Elshad Israfil, another candidate for the MP from the "Musavat" Party, joined him.

On Saturday, February 29, Guliev was summoned to the Prosecutor's Office to clarify his complaint, said Mustafa Gadjibeili, the head of the press service of the "Musavat" Party.

"During the action on February 16, Guliev was detained with the use of force ... As a result, his back was injured, and he still has pains," Mr Gadjibeili has noted.

Guliev intends to continue his hunger strike, despite his health problems. He had been earlier subjected to pressure for his opposition activities. In August 2019, 10 activists attempted to march in Baku after a court session on the case of Azad Gasanov, a member of the "Musavat" Party. The police dispersed the action and detained its participants.