Joint Statement: Azerbaijan: WHRDIC alarmed at reports of violence against Leyla Yunus in prison
| Publisher | International Federation for Human Rights |
| Publication Date | 12 September 2014 |
| Cite as | International Federation for Human Rights, Joint Statement: Azerbaijan: WHRDIC alarmed at reports of violence against Leyla Yunus in prison, 12 September 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54256bb315.html [accessed 27 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
12 September 2014
JOINT STATEMENT WHRDIC
September 12, 2014: The Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition (WHRDIC) is alarmed at reports of violence against Leyla Yunus in prison.
On 6 September, Leyla Yunus was attacked by her cellmate. She was verbally harassed and plates and cups thrown at her. She banged on the door for help and asked to be taken out of the cell to see the doctor. She was told that she could see the prison administrator the following Monday.
After learning that there would be a hearing, the cellmate increased the abuse. Once again Dr Yunus sought help by banging on the cell door. She was reprimanded by the guards for violating discipline, but was removed from the cell for a short time to submit a written complaint. Instead of protecting her, prison administrators instead issued Dr Yunus with a reprimand for asking for assistance by banging on the cell door. Nothing has been done about her violent cellmate and Dr Yunus is fearful of further attacks.
In addition, Dr Yunus is not being provided with adequate healthcare in prison. She has diabetes and medical problems related to her kidneys that require appropriate medication and a specialized diet. Currently she has infected abscess on her leg that she claims the doctor will not treat
Dr Yunus has been in prison since 30 July, when she was arrested on trumped up charges of treason as well as other crimes. The Nasimi District Court subsequently sentenced Dr Yunus to three months pre-trial detention, although it did not explain the basis for the charges.
The Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition is calling on Azeri authorities:
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To transfer Dr Yunus's violent cellmate to another cell and conduct an immediate, thorough, transparent investigation into the above-mentioned assault, in order to identify all those responsible, bring them before an independent tribunal, and apply them the sanctions provided by the law;
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To release Leyla Yunus immediately and unconditionally;
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To provide Leyla Yunus urgently with any medical attention she may require, including medication and hospitalisation
Last Update 12 September
