Number of hunger-strikers in Azerbaijan increased up to eight

Two persons have joined the endless hunger strike demanding release of political prisoners in Azerbaijan; and now there are eight hunger-strikers.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on May 12 the "Musavat" Party announced a hunger strike with a demand to release political prisoners.

In Baku, the action was supported by two activists, while the first six protesters continue their hunger strike, Razim Amiraslanov, a member of the board of the "Musavat" Party, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. "Despite the fact that they feel sluggish, so far, they have no serious health problems. It is expected that tomorrow in Baku and in regions new protesters will join the action," said Amiraslanov.

"We hold the action, as it is what we can do today. This ruling regime doesn't allow us doing anything," said Shakir Abbasov, a hunger-strikers from Baku.

On May 14, at a press conference, Arif Gadjily, the chairman of the "Musavat" Party, said that the problem of political prisoners is a top priority for the party. "Today, Azerbaijan with its 10 million of population has 80 political prisoners. That's more than the 140-million authoritarian Putin's Russia. This problem deepens the internal confrontation and damages the country's international image," said Gadjily.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.