In Azerbaijan, journalist Parviz Gashimli stops his hunger strike, his advocates report

Parviz Gashimli, a staff member of the newspaper "Bizim Yol" (Our Way) and the director of the website "moderator.az", who went on a hunger strike at the SIZO (pre-trial prison) of the Ministry of National Security (MNS), stopped his protest action after the visit of Elmira Suleimanova, Azerbaijani Ombudsperson. This was reported by his advocates. The press service of the Ombudsperson's office refutes the information that the journalist went on hunger strike.

Staff members from the Ombudsperson's Office have reported that during the conversation with Elmira Suleimanova, Parviz Gashimli "did not express any dissatisfaction with conditions and food." "Meanwhile, he said he did not consider himself guilty and asked the Ombudsperson to expedite the investigation into his case and to allow meetings and telephone conversations with his family members. Moreover, Parviz Gashimli asked to be transferred to the SIZO of the Penitentiary Service," the press release have stated.

During the medical examination, Parviz Gashimli made an electrocardiogram and that showed no reasons for concern about his health. It has also become clear that while being kept in custody, Parviz Gashimli met his advocates more than 20 times, the press release reports.

Besides, the press release notes "it became clear that Parviz Gashimli did not go on hunger strike at the SIZO and took food every day."