Tofig Yagublu, an imprisoned member of the National Council and the Musavat Party, has been on a hunger strike since April 1, 2025. On May 2, in a message shared by his daughter Nigar Hazi on Facebook, he issued a public appeal stating that he may not have another opportunity to speak out.
“Dear friends, perhaps this is my last message to you. The hunger strike I launched in protest against the illegal, baseless, and absurd charges brought against me has entered its second month. I must admit, it is a very difficult and painful process, but it has had no impact on my determination or willpower. On the contrary, with each passing day, my resolve only grows stronger,” Yagublu wrote.
He recalled that while imprisoned in 2015, his daughter Nargiz Yagublu passed away shortly after giving birth, without ever seeing her child.
“In 2015, while once again unlawfully imprisoned, my first grandchild was born. But the birth brought tragedy to our family. My angel, Nargiz, died without seeing her baby. My second grandchild will be born in the coming days. That event could also become a tragedy for our family. At this point, the likelihood of my death is extremely high,” he stated.
Yagublu emphasized that he has been convicted four times and detained numerous times on administrative charges, all based on political motives.
“I have not committed any crime. I simply confronted the Aliyev regime with the crimes and mistakes it has committed and called on the people to fight for their rights. These are my only ‘crimes’,” he noted.
On May 2, 2025, his lawyer, Nemat Karimli, visited him at the Justice Ministry’s medical facility and reported that Yagublu has lost nearly 18 kg since beginning the hunger strike, with his weight now at 78.9 kg (down from 95.6 kg). Karimli stated:
“He can no longer sleep. Last night, for the first time, he was given Dimedrol to help him sleep. As he himself said, he is nearing death. During our conversation, he forgot what he was talking about twice. His condition is deteriorating by the day.”
Yagublu has called on the public to read and share the 134-page final statement he delivered in court, in which he says he dismantled the charges against him entirely.
“Even if I were somehow forced to accept this fabricated crime, the judge would have no choice but to acquit me. When we accuse the government, we must use evidence and facts, not vague generalities. My final statement can be read in 2–3 days. So I have a request for you: if you want me to feel your support even more in what may be the last days of my life, please read that statement from beginning to end, share your thoughts, and recommend it to others,” he wrote.
Despite stating his desire to live, Yagublu made clear that he will not end his hunger strike.
“I believe that if I die, it won’t be in vain and will attract the attention of the international community and global organizations. It would lead to more serious actions against this inhumane and anti-people regime. It would also fuel public hatred toward a regime that exploits, loots, and insults society, and inspire people to fight back,” he added.
Tofig Yagublu was arrested in December 2023 and, on March 10, 2025, was sentenced by the Baku Serious Crimes Court to nine years in prison for fraud and document forgery. His appeal hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2025.
A long-time opposition figure, Yagublu is known as one of the fiercest critics of the Aliyev family, which has ruled Azerbaijan for 32 years. He has been arrested eight times and is recognized as a prisoner of conscience.