Ex-Parliamentarian's Health Worsens in Prison

Nazim Beydemirli

The health of former Azerbaijani parliamentarian and businessman Nazim Beydemirli has sharply deteriorated while he's in prison in Azerbaijan. His wife, F. Beydemirli, reported that he is being denied hospitalization.

According to her, since August 3, Mr. Beydemirli has had a high fever, severe shortness of breath, and an increased heart rate.

He was transferred to the medical unit of the correctional facility, but was not given effective medical care.

Mrs. Beydemirli said she consulted with doctors who suggested the ex-parliamentarian likely has pneumonia and needs urgent hospitalization.

However, she added that her requests to the relevant authorities to transfer her husband to a hospital have gone unanswered.

"Nazim previously had COVID-19. A repeated lung inflammation could create a real threat to his life," she stated.

Beydemirli was arrested in July 2023, two weeks after he supported residents of Soyudlu village who were protesting against environmental pollution from a nearby gold mining enterprise.

He was accused of extortion, and the court sentenced the former parliamentarian to eight years in prison.

Human rights activists have recognized Mr. Beydemirli as a political prisoner.