Dr. Latif (Araz) Hasani, the chairman of the New Southern Azerbaijan National Awakening Movement has gone on hunger strike. Declaring his hunger protest on 17th May 2014, Dr. Hasani pledged to continue his strike until the Iranian regime stays pressure against the family members of the Azerbaijani activists. Dr. Hasani is serving his 9 year prison sentence in the notorious forced labor camp of Tabriz Prison.
Meanwhile, It is reported that the other South Azerbaijani activist Mr. Ayat (Yurush) Mehralibegli ceased his hunger protest once the regime agreed with his transfer request. Reportedly, Yurush who is currently held at the Tabriz Penitentiary Center will soon be transferred to Jolfa Prison. Mehralibagli’s hometown Jolfa is situated in the border of South and North Azerbaijan.
Latif Hasani along with other four leading members of The New GAMOH, were arrested a year ago and sentenced to 9 years in prison for establishing an” illegal” political organization struggling to secure the right of self-determination for the people of South Azerbaijan.
