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March 12, 2025 – Azerbaijan –
An imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist has ended a hunger strike after prison authorities reportedly agreed to restore detainees’ ability to meet family members without restrictive barriers, highlighting ongoing tensions over prison conditions and press freedom in the country.
Fatima Movlamli, a journalist detained in connection with a criminal investigation involving the independent outlet Meydan TV, stopped her hunger strike after officials at the Baku Pretrial Detention Centre withdrew newly introduced restrictions on visits. The policy had required all meetings between detainees and their relatives to take place through a glass partition, a measure that prompted protests among several imprisoned journalists.
Movlamli began the hunger strike on 8 March to protest the rule, arguing that the barrier limited direct contact with family members and undermined detainees’ rights. According to her family, the protest was intended to pressure prison authorities to restore open visitation arrangements that had previously allowed prisoners to meet relatives without physical separation.
The dispute emerged after several detained journalists linked to the Meydan TV case objected to the installation of the glass partition in the detention centre’s visiting rooms. Some refused to attend family visits under the new conditions, viewing the restrictions as unnecessary and punitive. Movlamli’s mother later said that after her daughter launched the hunger strike, prison officials confiscated her personal belongings, further escalating tensions over the issue.
Following the protest, the administration of the Baku Pretrial Detention Centre reportedly indicated that prisoners would again be allowed to hold open meetings with relatives. After receiving assurances that the restrictions would be lifted, Movlamli decided to end her hunger strike.
Movlamli was detained in February 2025 as part of a broader investigation targeting journalists connected to Meydan TV, an independent media outlet known for critical reporting on government policies. She has been accused of smuggling in connection with the case, allegations that have drawn scrutiny from press freedom advocates who view the charges as part of a wider crackdown on independent journalism in Azerbaijan.
Despite the end of Movlamli’s protest, hunger strikes have continued among other detainees at the facility, including imprisoned opposition figure Tofig Yagublu and journalist Nurlan Gahramanli, who are also protesting their detention and demanding release.
Human rights groups have frequently raised concerns about the treatment of journalists and political prisoners in Azerbaijan, warning that restrictions on communication with family members and legal representatives can intensify pressure on detainees. Advocates say the latest incident underscores ongoing disputes over detention conditions and the treatment of journalists held in pretrial custody.
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