Detained Activist Haji Valiyev's Health Deteriorates as Hunger Strike Continues, Appeals Unanswered, and House Arrest Denied

Haji Valiye

Baku, Azerbaijan – Public activist Haji Valiyev, the former chairman of the now-defunct "Young Ghazi" Public Union, remains in custody and on a hunger strike, with his health reportedly worsening significantly. Recent appeals to official bodies regarding his treatment have gone unanswered, and a court motion to replace his pre-trial detention with house arrest was denied on July 18.

Valiyev, a participant in the Second Karabakh War, was arrested on March 31 by employees of the Baku City Main Police Department. He faces charges under Articles 221.3 (Hooliganism committed with the use of weapons or objects used as weapons) and 186.1 (Intentional destruction or damage to another's property) of the Criminal Code. Valiyev denies all charges against him.

His hunger strike began on June 21, a protest against what he calls his "unjust trial" and "unjust court verdict." As of July 18, he has been on hunger strike for 28 days. His family and relatives have expressed grave concerns about his rapidly deteriorating health. Lawyers who met with him earlier reported that he had difficulty walking and was at risk of losing his remaining eye, which was injured during the Karabakh war.

On July 15, Valiyev's lawyer, Fakhreddin Mehdiyev, met with him at a treatment facility. During the meeting, Valiyev reiterated his commitment to continuing the hunger strike despite his worsening condition. He also voiced strong dissatisfaction with his detention conditions, stating that he is being held in isolation within the facility and is not receiving adequate treatment for his eye injury.

The defense team formally appealed to the Ombudsman's Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice on July 1, highlighting concerns about inhumane treatment and violence faced by Valiyev in custody. However, his relatives report that these appeals have received no response within two weeks.

Valiyev is widely known for his public activism, particularly for bringing attention to the problems faced by military personnel who lost their health in battles and the families of those killed in the period after the Second Karabakh War. He was also known for his critical statements on social media and for criticizing officials. On March 18, he publicized an incident where police allegedly used violence against a group of ghazis engaged in street trade in the Yasamal district.

In a court appearance on May 14, Valiyev asserted that his arrest was a direct consequence of his public activities, his efforts to raise social welfare issues for martyr families and war participants before state institutions, and his criticism of officials.

Following Valiyev's arrest, the "Young Ghazi" Public Union announced it had ceased operations, citing "a number of objective and subjective reasons that arose recently, including weakening ties among members."

His family's statement on July 18 urged, "Relevant institutions must act responsibly and not disregard the life and health of Ghazi Haji Valiyev." The ongoing lack of response from authorities and the denial of house arrest further intensify concerns for his well-being as his hunger strike continues.