According to a report by the Azerbaijan Human Rights Association (ARC) on the health conditions of Azerbaijani political prisoners held in Evin Prison, more than eight months after a collective hunger strike by a number of these prisoners, a significant portion of their medical demands remain unaddressed, and the health condition of some of them has reportedly deteriorated.
The hunger strike lasted 47 days and was carried out in protest against the prisoners’ inadequate medical, humanitarian, and nutritional conditions. According to the published report, when the hunger strike ended, prison authorities pledged to follow up on the poor conditions of Azerbaijani political prisoners and take the necessary measures to address their medical and humanitarian concerns. However, recent reports indicate continued neglect and a lack of effective access to specialized medical services for a number of these prisoners.
Taher Naqavi, one of these prisoners, is suffering from a number of serious illnesses and physical injuries. According to a specialist physician at Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, he requires a cystoscopy, urodynamic testing, and continued treatment for his prostate condition. Despite undergoing an ultrasound and various medical tests, his treatment and surgery have been halted, and no effective transfer to a medical facility for continued treatment has taken place to date.
Taher Naqavi also suffers from fractures of four vertebrae in his lower back—vertebrae 7, 9, 10, and 11—as well as cervical disc injuries at vertebrae 4 and 5. MRI and radiological images documenting these injuries are reportedly available. According to the report, despite this medical documentation, the necessary follow-up for physiotherapy and specialized treatment has not been provided. Other reported health problems include osteoarthritis in both knees, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, an enlarged heart resulting from hypertension, and severe hypothyroidism. According to the published report, medical documentation relating to these conditions is contained in his medical file at the Evin Prison clinic.
Mahmoud Ojaqlu, who has been held in Evin Prison for more than three years, is experiencing severe vision problems. According to the report, the lack of specialized ophthalmological equipment at the prison and the authorities’ refusal to transfer him to a specialized hospital have resulted in a worsening of his vision. In recent months, he has reportedly also developed cataracts in both eyes. The continuation of this situation and his deprivation of specialized medical treatment have raised serious concerns about his eyesight.
Vudud Asadi, another Azerbaijani political prisoner held in Evin, is suffering from multiple health problems. Severe allergies, resulting vision problems, severe and persistent obstruction of his respiratory passages, and continuous tearing have made his daily life difficult. Despite requiring specialized examinations at medical and allergy centers in Tehran, he has reportedly been prevented from being transferred, and is instead provided only with general, non-specialized medications that cause weakness and drowsiness. According to the published report, when he protested, he was told: “When you are released, go and get yourself treated.”
In addition, inadequate nutrition and insufficient access to healthy food and necessary vitamins have reportedly caused serious oral and dental health problems for Vudud Asadi. A considerable number of his teeth have reportedly been lost, while the high cost of dental treatment is said to be beyond his financial means. His back and spinal problems, which are reportedly related to the shockwave from the explosion caused by the attack on Evin Prison during the 12-day war, when he was thrown by the force of the blast, also remain without specialized medical attention.
Ayaz Seifkhah has also suffered a severe tear and injury to his left ear and serious impairment of his hearing system as a result of the blast wave from the attack on Evin Prison. According to the report, the injury has resulted in recurrent infections, pain, facial swelling, and complete loss of function of his left ear. Despite the passage of several months since the incident, he has not been transferred to a specialized medical facility, reportedly for reasons including a “lack of funding” or “insufficient personnel to carry out the transfer.”
Morteza Parvin, an Azerbaijani artist imprisoned in Evin, has also been suffering for some time from severe back pain and a strained tendon in his right knee. Despite multiple visits to the prison clinic and the continuation of his physical problems, authorization for his transfer to a specialized medical facility has not been issued. His pain is reportedly being managed primarily with bandages and pain-relieving ointments.
According to the report, the cases described above represent only part of the medical conditions faced by Azerbaijani political prisoners in Evin. Other prisoners are also reportedly experiencing similar problems resulting from the lack of specialized medical care and delays in being transferred to medical facilities outside the prison.
The Azerbaijan Human Rights Association (ARC) emphasizes Rule 24 of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), which establishes that the provision of healthcare to prisoners is a state responsibility and that prisoners should have access, without discrimination, to the same standard of healthcare available in the community. Under Rule 27, prisoners requiring specialized medical treatment or surgery should be transferred to specialized institutions or hospitals outside the prison. The continued deprivation of sick prisoners of essential medical treatment—particularly in cases where there is a risk of worsening illness or permanent injury—may give rise to serious responsibility on the part of prison authorities and the judicial authorities.
