The health of Alesker Mammadli, the founder of “Toplum TV” held in the Baku pre-trial detention center-1 continues to deteriorate, his brother Nasimi Mammadli told Turan. “Today, Alesker called from the pre-trial detention center. We talked for 5-6 minutes. He spoke heavily, with frequent pauses, and coughed periodically. Due to a growing tumor in his throat, he suffers from insomnia. He has a constant headache. The doctors took three swabs from him for tests (from the throat). The answers will be known in 2-3 days. At the last meeting, I gave him painkillers, but they did not affect his condition,” Mammadli said.
He recalled that on June 22, after analyzing a biopsy at a civilian clinic, A.Mammadli was returned to the pre-trial detention center. “Despite the fact that Alesker needs hospital treatment, he is still being held in a pre-trial detention center. He met with a lawyer and sent a statement to the International Court of Justice about the mistreatment of him when he was taken to the clinic,” Mammadli said. Despite serious health problems, A.Mammadli remains cheerful and conveyed greetings to all those who expressed support for him.
*On March 6-8, 9 employees of “Toplum TV” and its partner organization, the Institute of Democratic Initiatives, were detained. They were accused of smuggling foreign currency. Seven people were arrested and two were placed under police supervision.
The founder of “Toplum TV,” Alesker Mammadli, was also accused of smuggling currency. During a search of his apartment, they allegedly found 7,300 euros.
Human rights activists have recognized the defendants in this case as political prisoners, and international organizations have called for their release.
