Independent Azerbaijan University students go on hunger strike

The hunger strike started yesterday at the university building (APA). 50 students joined the protesters on the first day, now there are 65 students going on hunger strike. The doctors of the First Medical Aid Hospital have checked up the strikers for several times on the site. They say some of the students have low blood pressure, APA reports.

The University fourth-year student of history faculty Elnur Mammadov told that they will continue to go on hunger strike until their demands are met. He also said the Ministry's decision does not envisage transferring the students to other universities.

"We have been studying for four years at this university and paid fees every year. Since the education was illegal, they should have said it in time. Why do they declare it in the fourth year?" the student underlined.

The protester also noted that the university students will collectively give up Azerbaijan's citizenship if their demands are not satisfied. The students do not want to continue their study in another higher school. Mammadov said some students of several other universities facing the same problem will join the hunger strikers today.

The Ombudsman's Office representatives visited the protesting students today. The University administration suggested them to stop the strike. The University President Abbas Mustafayev met with the strikers and told them they are having talks with the Education Ministry and hoped for positive result. The students' parents will also join them. The parents are going to stage a protest action outside the Ministry next week.

The Education Ministry department head Ilham Pirmammadov stated that there was no need for the students to take such a step.

"Why do they have to go on hunger strike? We have discussed the issue with the university authorities today. The court will consider the case and the Ministry will transfer the students of this university to other higher schools under the court decision," he said.

Pirmammadov also said no changes will be made to the faculties and year of study of the students, "The fourth-year students will continue their studies in the fourth-year. Those illegally entered the university will be expelled."