Doctors treat continuation of hunger strike by activist Salekh Rustamov as life-threatening

On the 23rd day of his hunger strike, Salekh Rustamov cannot move and is extremely weak, his brother said. Doctors of the prison hospital treat his health condition as grave and warn that if Salekh continues refusing to drink water, his life is in danger.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on November 6, Salekh Rustamov, an activist of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) went on a hunger strike in protest against his non-inclusion into the amnesty announced by the President of Azerbaijan on November 5 on the anniversary of the victory in the war in Karabakh. On November 23, Rustamov announced that from November 26, he intends to start a dry hunger strike, but his advocate and relatives managed to dissuade him.

According to the activist's brother, state bodies have no reaction to Salekh's hunger strike. "Only employees of the Ombudsperson's office and hospital doctors are interested in his fate," the brother has added.

Bakhruz Bairamov, an advocate, said referring to doctors that Salekh's condition is critical, and if he starts a dry hunger strike, he will die in 12-15 hours. However, Salekh is categorically against forced nutrition.

"Even political emigrants are already holding actions in front of the Azerbaijani Embassies. There is a serious international reaction. Further, the public support will be still stronger," the advocate believes.

Earlier, in connection with Salekh Rustamov's case, Richard Kozlarich, a former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, demanded sanctions against the Azerbaijani officials who violate human rights.