Haji Ends Hunger Strike Amid Health Concerns and Allegations of Unjust Detention

Haji Valiyev

Baku, Azerbaijan – Haji Valiyev, a prominent public activist and veteran of the Second Karabakh War, has reportedly ended his hunger strike, which he began on June 21 to protest what he called an "unjust conviction." His decision, announced by his relatives on July 22 and 23, was primarily driven by his family's insistence and a significant deterioration in his health.

Hajialiyev, also the former chairman of the now-defunct "Young Veterans" Public Union, had been protesting his detention conditions and the lack of treatment for a serious eye problem. Relatives expressed deep concern, stating that the prolonged hunger strike had caused a "deeply negative impact on his physical and psychological state," warning of "irreversible complications." They are now advocating for his release to house arrest.

Haji Valiyev was detained by the Baku City Main Police Department on March 31, 2024, and subsequently arrested on April 1. 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 causing significant damage) of the Criminal Code. However, the specific motive for the criminal case has not been officially disclosed.

Haji Valiyev, a group 2 invalid who lost one eye in the Second Karabakh War and was reportedly facing problems with his remaining eye, denies all charges against him.

Known for his critical statements on social media, Haji Valiyev has been a vocal advocate for the rights and welfare of military personnel who lost their health in the Second Karabakh War and the families of those killed. He frequently highlighted their problems and criticized state officials.

A key incident cited by his supporters occurred on March 18, when Haji Valiyev publicized video material showing police intervention against a group of veterans engaged in street vending in the Yasamal district.

In a court appearance on May 14, Haji Valiyev explicitly stated that his arrest was a direct consequence of his "public activism, for raising issues of the social welfare of martyrs' families and war participants before state institutions, and for criticizing officials."

Following Haji Valiyev's arrest, the "Young Veterans" Public Union, which was established in 2021 on the basis of the "Karabakh Veterans" Public Union, announced that it had ceased its operations. A statement from the organization attributed this decision to "a number of objective and subjective reasons that have emerged recently, including weakened communication among members."

As of the latest reports, official bodies, including the Penitentiary Service, have not commented on the information provided by Haji Valiyev's relatives regarding his health and the end of his hunger strike. The situation continues to draw attention to the challenges faced by activists in the region.