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This News Service is posted by the
International Secretariat of Amnesty International,
1 Easton Street, London WC1X 8DJ
(Tel +44-71-413-5500, Fax +44-71-956-1157)
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AI INDEX: EUR 55/06/96
21 FEBRUARY 1996


AZERBAIJAN - AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL URGES THE AUTHORITIES TO
ENSURE APPROPRIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR IMPRISONED POLITICAL
OPPONENT

The Azerbaijani authorities should ensure that Tofiq Qasimov,
a possible prisoner of conscience, receives all appropriate
medical treatment following his transfer from prison to
hospital last week, Amnesty International said today.
      ~At least two prisoners in ill-health are alleged to
have died as a result of inadequate medical treatment in the
past year. We are concerned that Tofiq Qasimov may also
suffer as a result of inadequate medical care,~ the human
rights organization said.

      Tofiq Qasimov, under arrest since September 1995, is
said to have been diagnosed in recent days as suffering from
reactive psychosis, a serious mental health problem induced
by environmental circumstances.  On 16 February, he was
transferred from an investigation prison of the Ministry of
National Security to a prison hospital.
      Amnesty International is seeking further information
from the Azerbaijani authorities on Tofiq Qasimov~s reported
mental state as well as  his treatment, prognosis and plans
for future care.  According to the United Nations Standard
Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, any prisoner
requiring specialist medical care should be transferred to a
specialist medical facility to obtain such treatment.

      Tofiq Qasimov, a member of parliament and prominent
political figure in Azerbaijan, has been charged with
complicity in a failed coup attempt in March 1995.  Amnesty
International is concerned about allegations that the charges
are false, and have been fabricated in order to punish Tofiq
Qasimov for his non-violent political activity in opposition
to the Azerbaijani Government. The organization is also
concerned that he faces a possible death sentence if
convicted.

      In a report issued in January (Azerbaijan - Allegations
of ill-treatment in detention, AI Index: EUR 55/01/96),
Amnesty International expressed its concern at continuing
allegations that detainees have been ill-treated by law
enforcement officials.

ENDS\


deliberate and arbitrary killings.                       ENDS\

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