The head of the "xeberman.com" website, Polad Aslanov, is dissatisfied with the poor conditions in Penal Colony No. 15, where he is being held. His wife, Gulmira Aslanova, reported this to "Abzas Media."

Gulmira Aslanova stated that she personally witnessed the conditions in which her husband is being held during a long visit from January 21 to 24.

"During the three days we were there, they did not provide hot water. We could only use hot water once for about one to two hours, and that was only after Polad argued with them and demanded it. There were five prisoner families in the yard with us. Polad asked them why the other four families had access to hot water while we didn’t. They responded by claiming that the water supply did not reach us. But the rooms were right next to each other. At the very least, they could have provided us with hot water at night when the other families were not using it. Instead, we had to use ice-cold water for three days," Gulmira Aslanova said.

His wife stated that Polad Aslanov told the prison staff that he prays and needs hot water, at the very least requesting to be provided with a heater. However, his request was also denied.

"There was a prisoner in charge of monitoring this. He said it was not up to him and that he didn’t know anything. They even claimed it was impossible for us not to have hot water. To prove it, Polad took them to the bathroom so they could see for themselves. They checked and confirmed that there was indeed no hot water. Polad demanded to be moved to another room, but they refused," Gulmira Aslanova said.

She also added that the prison administration refuses to accept the daily necessities she brings for her husband.

"Unlike other prisoners, Polad Aslanov is only allowed one visit per month, and even then, only food can be brought to him. Other necessities are not permitted," Gulmira Aslanova emphasized.

Polad Aslanov, the founder and editor of xeberman.com, was arrested in June 2019 on charges of treason and sentenced to 16 years in prison. On February 24, 2022, the Supreme Court reduced his sentence to 13 years.

He has denied the charges, stating that he was punished for his critical journalism and for reporting on allegations that State Security Service (DTX) officers took bribes from companies organizing pilgrimages.

Human rights organizations have recognized Polad Aslanov as a political prisoner.