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Whistleblower released from psychiatric hospital

Mahammad Gurbanov, a 55-year-old resident of Nakhchivan City who was placed in a psychiatric hospital by police on 11 September 2009, was released on World Mental Health Day, on 10 October, after 29 days in detention.

Published: October 15, 2009 Author: IRFS (Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety)

IRFS’s regional correspondent in Nakhchivan was informed of the development by Gurbanov himself, who said, “I don’t have any health problems. I didn’t receive any treatment in the hospital, because I didn’t need it.”

Gurbanov was placed in a Nakhchivan psychiatric hospital by employees of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Internal Affairs Ministry after he complained to authorities, governmental organizations and the press about corruption and incompetence among Sadarak customs officers.

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Azerbaijan – Baku

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