HRW Points to "Escalation of Repression" in Azerbaijan Against APFP

Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international human rights organization, has highlighted an escalation of repression in Azerbaijan against the opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP).

Azerbaijani authorities have intensified their long-standing crackdown on the APFP, building on years of politically motivated persecution and intimidation, according to a statement released by HRW on December 22. The organization notes that in recent months, authorities have increasingly targeted the party’s leadership.

On December 19, a court sentenced Murad Sultanli, a high-ranking party official, to 30 days of administrative detention, HRW states. "This followed a November 29 court ruling placing party chairman Ali Kerimli in custody on charges of attempting to seize power by force. Authorities also detained several of his bodyguards and his driver. Kerimli has faced a travel ban since 2005," the statement emphasizes.

In 2025, Azerbaijani authorities significantly ramped up their repressive campaign against the APFP, subjecting dozens of party members across the country to arbitrary detentions and arrests based on false administrative and criminal charges, as well as other forms of harassment.

Police and courts relied on vague allegations of administrative offenses such as "petty hooliganism" and "disobedience to police," as well as criminal charges that party members claim were fabricated, the HRW statement continues. Citing information from party officials, HRW reports that "at least 20 APFP members are currently in detention."

"Concerns over the crackdown intensified after Elbayi Kerimli, a 22-year-old imprisoned party member, committed suicide on December 12. Authorities detained him in August 2023 after he painted 'Stalin' on a monument to former President Heydar Aliyev and charged him with large-scale drug possession. Authorities announced an investigation into Elbayi Kerimli's death but have not made its findings public," HRW highlights.

On December 13, a Baku court ordered three months of pretrial detention for APFP member Vugar Gadirli on weapons possession charges.

In April, a court sentenced party member Mehman Aliyev to five years in prison on false drug charges, HRW reminds. M. Aliyev stated that authorities brought the charges in retaliation for his filming and publishing of footage depicting alleged police abuses.

Throughout 2025, security forces detained activists in Binagadi, Yevlakh, Ordubad, Lankaran, and other regions. Activists were held incommunicado for several days before being brought to court for administrative sentencing.

"Azerbaijani authorities should immediately release all individuals detained solely for peaceful political activity, lift restrictions on the political opposition—including the 20-year travel ban on Ali Kerimli—and ensure an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of ill-treatment and deaths in custody," the HRW statement concludes.