Azerbaijan, Baku/ Trend , corr. K. Zarbaliyeva/ Ershad Hassanov, the Warden of the Correctional Institution 14 , where Mirza Sakit, an employee of the "Azadlig" Newspaper is serving his sentence, has not confirmed that the journalist has gone on a hunger strike.
Mr. Hassanov commented that Sakit had no problems with his health. If there are any problems to the condition of his health, he will be sent to the hospital where he can receive the necessary treatment.
Vugar Khasayev, a lawyer of the imprisoned journalist, has not been aware of the hunger strike.
However, members of the journalist's family stated that the statement made by his relative's had gone on hunger-strike had been submitted to the head of the prison yesterday, and from today, Mr. Sakit has gone on a hunger strike.
Sakit insists on being sent to the hospital for treatment. He suffers from chest pains and pains in his joints.
Sakit was arrested for illegal possession of drug substances in July, 2006. The Azerbaijan Court for Serious Crimes sentenced him to three years imprisonment. An appeal against the sentence is expected to be presented during the judicial sitting of the Azerbaijan Supreme Court on April 24.