Prisoner in Fazil Mustafa Assassination Case Begins Hunger Strike Over Alleged Torture and Lack of Medical Care

Sabohi Shirinov

Sabohi Shirinov, a prisoner serving a 20-year sentence for his alleged involvement in the attempted assassination of Azerbaijani Member of Parliament Fazil Mustafa, commenced a hunger strike on July 16. His wife, Khanim Shirinova, stated that the protest is due to his deteriorating health conditions and the denial of adequate medical examination and treatment while in detention.

Shirinov is currently held in Umbakı prison. According to his wife, he was subjected to torture on the day of his detention in connection with the assassination attempt, which resulted in persistent head pains. These pains are reportedly intensifying due to his closed detention conditions, and he also suffers from a swollen tooth.

"My husband is currently held in Umbakı prison," Khanim Shirinova told Meydan TV. "On the day he was detained in connection with the assassination attempt on Fazil Mustafa, he was subjected to torture, which caused him to develop certain pains in his head. Since he is held in closed conditions, his pain is intensifying. At the same time, his tooth is swollen."

Khanim Shirinova further stated that despite repeated appeals to the prison administration for her husband to receive a medical examination and treatment, no action has been taken. She added that requests to allow the family to provide medical care themselves have also been denied. The Ombudsman's office has reportedly been informed and will visit the penitentiary. The Penitentiary Service could not be reached for comment on the matter.

The attempted assassination on Fazil Mustafa, a Member of the 6th Convocation of the Milli Majlis and Chairman of the Culture Committee, occurred on March 28, 2023. Mustafa sustained injuries to his hip and shoulder after being attacked with a "Kalashnikov" automatic rifle in front of his home in Zabrat settlement, Sabunchu district.

Following the incident, the Main Investigation Department of the State Security Service initiated a criminal case. The accused were charged under several articles of the Criminal Code, including 214-1 (financing terrorism), 228 (illegal acquisition, possession, carrying of firearms), 274 (treason), and 277 (attempted assassination of a state official or public figure with the aim of ending their service or political activity, or as revenge for their activity).

A joint operation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service led to the apprehension of individuals suspected of involvement. The verdict in the case was announced by Judge Elnur Nuriyev at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes.

The court's decision resulted in the following sentences:

• Azer Saricanov: Life imprisonment

• Sabohi Shirinov: 20 years of imprisonment

• Rashad Ahmadov: 19 years of imprisonment

• Elshad Asgarov: 18 years of imprisonment

• Emin Aliyarov: 4 years of imprisonment

Sabohi Shirinov's current hunger strike brings renewed attention to the conditions of detention for those convicted in this high-profile case, particularly amid allegations of torture and medical neglect.