Ali Babaei and Ayoub Shiri, activists of the South Azerbaijan National Movement, along with tens of other south Azerbaijani political prisoners in Tabriz Prison, have begun a hunger strike in protest against the transfer of Yurush Mehralibeyglu to a special prison unit.

An atmosphere of protest has emerged in Tabriz Prison in recent days following the imposition of restrictions, including a ban on telephone access for some political prisoners. These protests are a response to the conditions in the detoxification ward and the restrictions imposed on inmates.

Reports indicate that Yurush Mehralibeyglu, one of the political leaders of the South Azerbaijan National Movement, was transferred to a special unit of Tabriz Prison in connection with these protests and remains detained there.

Previously, sources close to the political prisoners had stated that if Yurush Mehralibeyglu was not returned to the general prison population, dozens of political prisoners would launch a hunger strike. Reports now indicate that the hunger strike has begun, with approximately 60 political prisoners participating.

The striking prisoners are demanding the return of Yurush Mehralibeyglu to the general ward and an end to the restrictions imposed on political prisoners.