Court Keeps Ali Karimli Under Arrest

Ali Karimli

On December 10, the Sabail District Court of Baku held a hearing on the request to change the pre-trial restriction measure for the head of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), Ali Karimli, and transfer him to house arrest.

The request, supported by lawyers Zibeyda Sadigova, Fakhraddin Mehdiyev, and Agil Laij, indicated the absence of material and procedural grounds for keeping Karimli in custody, said party representative Natig Adilov.

However, the court rejected the request.

The defense intends to appeal the court's decision, Adilov said.

He also pointed out that the police created obstacles for Karimli's supporters to gather near the police building.

"Once again, during the court hearing of Ali Karimli, the police created obstacles for PFPA activists to gather near the courthouse to express support for the party leader. The head of the PFPA youth committee, Emil Salim, was detained," Adilov stated.

On November 29, State Security Service officers detained the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), Ali Karimli, and his advisor—a member of the PFPA presidium—Mamed Ibrahim, after searches. They were charged with committing actions aimed at the violent seizure of power. The party called the detentions politically motivated, viewing them as an attempt by the authorities to "destroy the last independent political force in Azerbaijan." On December 1, the court remanded both of them in custody for 2.5 months; later, the court of appeal upheld these decisions.