In Azerbaijan, leader of Islamic Party Movsum Samedov faces tightening of prison regime

In Azerbaijan, Movsum Samedov, the convicted leader of the Islamic Party, faces a threat of tightening of detention regime. The administration of the penal colony No. 12, where Movsum Samedov was transferred, has submitted to the court a request to place him in the Gobustan closed prison for the term of three years. The Islamic Party of Azerbaijan claims the rights of Movsum Samedov are being violated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on September 18, Movsum Samedov was transferred from the penitentiary institution No. 11, located in the 7th district of Baku, to the penal colony No. 12, located in the village of Puta, 50 km from Baku.

According to Anar Gasymly, an advocate of Movsum Samedov, upon his arrival in the penal colony No. 12, Movsum Samedov was unjustly placed in the punishment cell: first for 5 days and then for other 7 days. To protest, Movsum Samedov went on hunger strike. The advocate was allowed to meet him only on October 2. And on October 3, the advocate learned that the administration of the penal colony submitted to the court a request to transfer Movsum Samedov to the Gobustan closed prison, with justification that Movsum Samedov allegedly "repeatedly violated discipline, despite the warnings."

The advocate has explained that the Gobustan prison is known for its tougher conditions of detention.

It should be noted that on October 3, an official from the Penitentiary Service refuted the reports on hunger strike of Movsum Samedov.

Earlier, the Centre for the Protection of Freedom of Conscience and Religion (DEVAMM) has made a statement in support of Movsum Samedov.