Azerbaijani Popular Front Party activist Alezamin Salayev, who was sentenced to four years in prison, has announced a hunger strike in prison. He demands freedom not only for himself, but also for all other political prisoners.

Salayev, who has health problems, considers it unacceptable for the COP29 climate conference to be held in Azerbaijan and for citizens of democratic states to participate in it at a time when there are 319 political prisoners in the country, human rights are violated, and corruption is thriving.

“Alezamin has already undermined his health during previous hunger strikes. He has problems with his heart and liver. He has shortness of breath, his legs are swollen, and he can hardly move,” the oppositionist’s wife shared.

Alezamin Salayev was arrested in February 2023 on charges of hooliganism with the use of a weapon. He was sentenced to four years in prison. He called the criminal case fabricated for political reasons and has repeatedly held hunger strikes demanding his release. The US Embassy in Baku called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release the activist and other political prisoners.