A political prisoner who painted the Heydar Aliyev monument was found hanged on the anniversary of the ex-president's death

Elbeyi Kerimli

Elbeyi Kerimli, a 22-year-old social activist and member of the opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP), passed away in prison on December 12, according to reports.

The AXCP said that Kerimli apparently committed suicide by hanging himself at the medical unit of Penitentiary Institution No. 2, where he was serving his sentence. The reason for the supposed suicide is still unknown. The activist’s family said he was quietly buried on December 14. Some people on social media have wondered if there was foul play involved.

Investigation Launched

The Ministry of Justice confirmed the death and stated that the Khazar District Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Elbeyi Kerimli's death. Official details regarding the cause of death have not yet been released.

Arrest and Conviction Background

Kerimli was arrested in August 2023 shortly after painting the word “Stalin” on a statue of former President Heydar Aliyev.

Following his detention, Kerimli was formally charged with large-scale illegal drug possession. In 2024, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes gave him a six-year prison sentence. Later, the Supreme Court reduced the sentence to five years after removing the "intent to sell" part of the charge.

Allegations of Political Framing and Abuse

Elbeyi Kerimli consistently denied the drug charges, claiming he was set up because of his political activities.

Kerimli told his lawyer after his initial detention that police officers had threatened him. He alleged that he was told to choose between being charged with possession of "drugs or weapons," and if he refused, he would be charged with treason, with officers threatening to "download pictures of military objects to your phone" and accuse him of "transmitting military secrets to Armenia, Iran." He also referenced an earlier case involving another activist, quoting a threat: "Don’t force us to pull out 1 kg from your house, like [the case of] Giyas."

AXCP supports Kerimli’s claim that he was framed due to his protest act. The party also reported that Kerimli had been subjected to internal prison punishments, including being placed in solitary confinement (karser) and engaging in hunger strikes. In July, reports indicated he was allegedly beaten and thrown into solitary confinement after making critical remarks to Penitentiary Service representatives, claiming his innocence.

The AXCP regards Kerimli’s death and the broader arrests of its members as politically motivated. Currently, over 20 AXCP members are imprisoned, including the party leader Ali Kerimli, who was recently jailed for two months on charges related to forcibly seizing power.