An activist from the 'Worker's Table' group experienced violence while in custody

Aykhan Israfilov

Aykhan Israfilov, who is part of the 'Worker's Table' Trade Union Confederation, was subjected to violence at Penal Facility No. 10, where he is being held.

His family stated that Israfilov was treated violently after he objected to disrespectful behavior during a meeting with Kamran Shahsuvarov, the facility's deputy head. Shahsuvarov reportedly grabbed Aykhan Israfilov by the neck, pushed him to the floor, and started hitting him.

Israfilov recounted to his family, "He often acted disrespectfully towards me during meetings with the deputy. The last time was on April 13. He still wasn't listening. I asked if I was perhaps bothering him. When he began speaking rudely, I requested that he change his attitude towards me."

Aykhan Israfilov mentioned that following his protest, operative Ruslan Hatamov asked him to write a statement. Israfilov initially pushed back, but Hatamov insisted there was no cause for concern.

Operative Ruslan Hatamov reportedly told him, "Don't worry; just write it in your own defense." Israfilov responded, "I will write it, but I won't go to the deputy's office. He'll just be rude again, and it will cause more trouble." Hatamov first agreed, but then escorted him to the deputy's meeting. Just as Israfilov predicted, the encounter was difficult, with their final exchange being quite tense.

His family stated that the violent incident occurred immediately after this. Deputy Kamran Shahsuvarov reportedly grabbed Aykhan Israfilov by the neck, forced him down, and began to hit him. Israfilov recounted losing consciousness and only waking up about an hour later. He also mentioned that visible marks from the assault are still present on his neck. Other prisoners at the same facility, including AbzasMedia director Ulvi Hasanli, Jafar Mirzayev, Shahin Hajiyev, and several unnamed individuals, witnessed the event.

Aykhan Israfilov was arrested on August 11, 2023.

He faces charges related to acquiring and possessing narcotic substances. The Baku Court of Grave Crimes sentenced him to three years in prison on these charges.

However, he maintains his innocence, claiming he was framed with drugs leading to his arrest.

Aykhan Israfilov has stated that he believes his punishment was ordered because of his advocacy for workers' rights, his critical perspectives, and his political views.