Azerbaijani Pro-Iran Activist Dies in Court After 53-Day Hunger Strike

Azerbaijani religious activist Sabukh Salimov died in court following a prolonged hunger strike.

Salimov was arrested in October 2021 on suspicion of espionage for Iran and was sentenced to 17 years in prison for treason nearly a year later.

The pro-Iran activist, who vehemently denied the charges against him, initiated a hunger strike as a form of protest. Due to deteriorating health issues, Salimov ended his 53-day hunger strike on March 1 and passed away the following day.