Siraj Karimli, a prisoner of conscience, was transferred from jail to the Central Hospital of the Penitentiary Service on 14 October, after suffering a perforated bowel. In the hospital, he received a diagnosis, and long overdue surgery was scheduled, reported his father, Rafig Karimli.
After a difficult three-hour operation, Siraj Karimli was moved to the intensive care unit, and is reportedly in a critical condition.
“He suffered from gastric paints when he was in Baku Detention Facility #1. On 13 October, he suffered sudden severe stomach pains. A doctor was summoned, but Siraj refused surgical intervention. It was only when they telephoned us that he agreed to surgery. The doctor said it was a difficult operation, and that Siraj remains in serious condition. We will try to see him when he gets out of the intensive care unit,” said his brother, Rafig Karimli.
Siraj Karimli, brother of blogger Faraj Karimli, was arrested on 15 July 2014, on charges of drug possession and trafficking (Article 234.4.3 of Criminal Code)., He was sentenced to 6 years in jail on 16 March 2015.