AZERBAIJAN: TOFIG YAGUBLU’S LIFE IN DANGER

Dear Minister,

I am writing to draw your attention to the arbitrary detention and prosecution of political opposition leader, Tofig Yagublu. On March 10, he was sentenced to nine years in prison on fabricated charges, including fraud and forgery, following proceedings that failed to meet fair trial standards. He has been on a hunger strike since April 1. I am deeply alarmed by recent reports concerning his critical health condition and demand his immediate release.

Tofig Yagublu has been repeatedly arrested, imprisoned, and subjected to ill-treatment over the past decade for his political activism and criticism of the government. His most recent trial has been widely condemned for lacking due process.

According to his family, Tofig Yagublu’s health had already been compromised due to inhumane conditions of detention in the past. The lawyer’s request to transfer him under house arrest pending his appeal was rejected, raising fears that any further delay in accessing the medical care her requires puts his health and life at risk.

I urge you to urgently ensure that Tofig Yagublu receives the medical care he requires — including by transferring him to an independent, specialized medical facility or a civilian hospital. He must also be immediately and unconditionally released, and the Azerbaijani authorities must end the misuse of the criminal justice system to target dissent and free speech.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]