Aykhan Israfilov, a detained member of the Trade Union Confederation “Workers’ Table,” reports that in recent months he has been subjected to social isolation at Penal Institution No. 10, where he is currently held.
The inmate, held at Penal Institution No. 10, reports that social isolation has been imposed on him in the barracks.
“They have forbidden anyone from talking to me”
According to him, a person unofficially recognized as the “head” of the barracks instructs other inmates to cut off communication with him: “He goes up to inmates one by one and orders them to stop interacting with me. He wants to create social isolation.”
Israfilov says this treatment began after he filed complaints about restoring the lights in the barracks, and hostility toward him has increased.
“A dictatorship has formed in the barracks”
The inmate explains that conditions in the dormitory of the 6th unit of Penal Institution No. 10 have worsened significantly over the past 1–2 months:
“People’s will is broken through force and threats. A real dictatorship has formed here.”
He claims that the authorities responsible for oversight either turn a blind eye or distort information:
“The informant has teamed up with the ‘enforcer’ and created this situation. The abuses committed by the ‘boss’ are either covered up or reported to higher authorities in a distorted form.”
Israfilov says that under these circumstances, filing a complaint is practically impossible:
“You can’t go anywhere to complain. In the end, they will just call the informant and ask him.”
The inmate adds that the conditions in the barracks are also unsatisfactory:
“After 10:00 a.m., the lights in the barracks are turned off and the blinds are closed. In this darkness, you can neither read a book nor do a crossword.”
He notes that the overall psychological environment is also severe:
“I feel like I am in the USSR of the 1930s. There is a fear that no one speaks aloud, but it is visible in people’s eyes.”
Israfilov says at least three people could not endure the psychological pressure and moved elsewhere, while others are forced to stay due to lack of space.
“This is not a complaint, but a warning”
The inmate believes the situation remains tense and there is a risk of physical confrontation:
“I have no intention of accepting any dictatorship. I am sure this refusal to submit will lead to physical conflict. It is inevitable.”
Aykhan Israfilov emphasizes that his statement is meant as a warning and calls on the leadership of the Penitentiary Service to take action:
“Let the authorities know and take the necessary steps. The physical and psychological safety of inmates must be ensured.”
It has not been possible to obtain statements from relevant authorities regarding Aykhan Israfilov’s claims.
Aykhan Israfilov was arrested on August 11, 2023.
He is accused of obtaining and possessing narcotic substances. The Baku Court on Grave Crimes sentenced him to three years of imprisonment for this charge.
However, he does not admit guilt and says he was framed and imprisoned over drugs.
Aykhan Israfilov has stated that he was punished on orders because of his advocacy for workers’ rights, critical opinions, and political views.
The post Detained labor rights activist Aykhan Israfilov reports social isolation and ‘Barracks Dictatorship’ in Baku Prison appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.
