Famil Khalilov considers his arrest illegal and has been on hunger strike for 77 days in protest

Famil Khalilov, a social activist living with cerebral palsy, was arrested on charges of illegal drug trafficking after enduring a prolonged hunger strike in prison.

His wife, Kicichkhanym Khalilova, shared this information, revealing that Famil weighed 118 kilograms when he was taken to the detention center. As a result of his 77-day hunger strike, he lost 36 kilograms.

"Famil Khalilov is experiencing increased numbness in his legs and cannot move. Yesterday, doctors conducted a blood test on him," Kichickhanim Khalilova told "Voice of America" after visiting the social activist, who has been detained in the sanitary-medical section of Baku Detention Center No. 1 since October 29.

According to her, his husband, who is a first-group disabled person, suffers from acute pain in her stomach and head. Despite this, Famil Khalilov stated that he will continue the hunger strike until the end.

Lawyer Bahruz Bayramov stated that despite Famil Khalilov's serious condition, his trial had been postponed until November 28, following the conclusion of the COP29 events.

The Penitentiary Service states that Famil Khalilov's and all the arrested persons' rights are guaranteed, and their interests are protected by law.

F. Khalilov considers his arrest illegal and has been on hunger strike for 77 days in protest.

F. Khalilov is a former political immigrant who was readmitted from Sweden last year. Since then, he has shared opinions criticizing the government of Azerbaijan on his social media accounts.

F. Khalilov was detained during a police raid at his home in May of this year. He has been charged under Article 234.4.3 of the Criminal Code for the illegal trafficking of large quantities of narcotic substances. A pretrial detention measure has been imposed, and this article stipulates a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 12 years.