Appeals Court Upholds Arrest of Ali Karimli

Ali Karimli

On December 5, the Baku Court of Appeals (BCA) rejected an appeal against the arrest of Ali Karimli, the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), the organization reported.

In connection with Karimli's trial, the police adopted "heightened security measures," the source added.

"Numerous supporters of Ali Karimli intended to come to the courthouse and express their support for him. However, the police did not allow people to gather not only in front of the courthouse but also within a distance of 2-3 km from the BCA. The entire area from the BCA to the "Elmlər Akademiyası" (Academy of Sciences) metro station was taken under police surveillance. Recognizable activists were immediately detained," a party representative said.

In total, according to unconfirmed reports, about 10 people were detained, he added.

On November 29, State Security Service officers detained the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), Ali Karimli, and his advisor, PFPA Presidium member Mammad Ibrahim, following searches. They were accused of committing acts 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 a period of 2.5 months.