Rédaction Tofiq Yaqublu, a member of the National Council and the Musavat Party in Azerbaijan, has entered the 22nd day of his hunger strike following a nine-year prison sentence issued by the Baku Serious Crimes Court in March. His protest began shortly after the sentencing, which he described as “unfounded, unlawful, and indecent.”
[by Ulviyya Karimova, published on 22/04/2025]
In a pre-strike statement, Yaqublu declared: « I begin this hunger strike in protest against the baseless and illegal nine-year prison sentence handed down to me. I know this will be difficult, but I am determined to take this step. » Yaqublu, who is of advanced age, said it is senseless to spend the final years of his life in prison.
« I have decided to die in prison, » he stated, expressing hope that his act would draw international attention to the situation in Azerbaijan. He called on supporters to read and spread his final statement from court: « If you want to support me, read and promote my last words in court. This will serve as a powerful and undeniable argument against the judicial system of the Aliyev regime. »
Arrest and charges
Tofiq Yaqublu was arrested on December 14, 2023, during a recent wave of detentions targeting civil society in Azerbaijan. He faces charges under Articles 178.3.2 (fraud causing significant financial damage), 320.1 (forgery or illegal production/sale of official documents), and 320.2 (using knowingly forged documents) of the Criminal Code.
International observers have widely condemned his arrest as politically motivated.
Health deterioration and lack of official response
Nigar Hezi, Yaqublu’s daughter, told L’œil de la Maison des journalistes that her father’s health is rapidly deteriorating.
« Today marks the 22nd day of my father Tofiq Yaqublu’s hunger strike. His condition is worsening by the day. » Despite the critical condition, Hezi noted the absence of any significant response from state institutions. She referenced earlier comments by Zahid Oruj, chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Milli Majlis (Parliament), who downplayed the potential political impact of Yaqublu’s hunger strike.
More recently, a lesser-known MP, Aydın Hüseynov, made a public statement about the hunger strike, but again, there has been no meaningful action from government institutions.
International reaction and diplomatic silence
Amnesty International released a statement week ago calling for Yaqublu’s unconditional release and immediate transfer to a civilian hospital. The organization has since launched a global support campaign. Nigar Hezi mentioned meetings with representatives of the German and French embassies in Azerbaijan, expressing disappointment.
« Unfortunately, due to the world’s focus on the Russia-Ukraine war and the U.S. political landscape, there’s little attention on Azerbaijan. As a result, the number of political prisoners has surpassed 360. » She continued: « Despite my meetings with embassy officials, neither those embassies nor others have made any public statement regarding Tofiq Yaqublu or other political prisoners. »
Legal updates and critical condition
On April 21, Yaqublu’s lawyer confirmed that an appeal has submitted. It is expected that ajudge will be assigned in the coming days, and the legal team intends to request house arrest due to his critical health. However, the outcome remains uncertain.
« Neither the government is backing down, nor is Tofiq Yaqublu » said Hezi. She emphasized that her father was imprisoned solely for his political activism and criticism of President Ilham Aliyev. « Everyone knows that Tofiq Yaqublu was targeted for his political views. This is the fourth time he’s been charged with a crime, and this time the sentence was exceptionally harsh. He has repeatedly said he will not serve this sentence – if death is the alternative, he chooses death. »
She added: « Tofiq Yaqublu is being forced into death by hunger because there is no fair judiciary or democratic environment in the country. »
Medical reports and lawyer visits
On April 22, lawyer Fakhraddin Mehdiyev met with Yaqublu and reported a dramatic decline in his health : « He could barely walk, his complexion is pale, he is extremely weak and suffers from dizziness. His current weight is 82.9 kg – he has lost nearly 13 kg in 22 days. His temperature is 36°C, oxygen saturation 98, blood pressure 129/90, heart rate 88. »
A day earlier, lawyer Nemat Karimli noted similar concerns.
« He is very tired, weak, and finds it difficult to move. Tofiq, who used to pay great attention to hygiene, now sleeps in his clothes because even changing is too exhausting. His weight has dropped to 83.2 kg. His heart rate is 64, saturation 96, pressure 112/78, and temperature 36.2°C. »
Family fears for his life
On April 22, Nigar Hazi managed to speak with her father by phone: « If this continues a little longer, he will lose his life in detention. Today was his phone day. When he called later than usual, I feared the worst. He said he hadn’t slept all night and still struggles to drink water. He’s forcing himself to drink at least one liter a day, but says even that feels like torture. »
She pleaded: « Don’t stay silent. Don’t let Tofiq Yaqublu be killed. » Hazi urged for urgent medical evaluation and intervention : « We are very worried. We demand that Dr. Adil Qeybulla be allowed to examine him again. The Azerbaijani authorities will be responsible for his death if they don’t act immediately. Otherwise, his lifeless body will be carried out of prison. »
Government response
In the face of these grave concerns, Azerbaijani authorities continue to reject accusations of political persecution, claiming no one is prosecuted for their views. Meanwhile, the country’s Human Rights Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, has yet to visit Yaqublu after 22 days of a hunger strike.
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