Opposition Leader Ali Karimli's Arrest Sparks International Concern About Azerbaijan

Ali Karimli

Ali Karimli, who leads Azerbaijan’s opposition Popular Front Party (APFP/AXCP), and Mammad Ibrahim, a Presidium member, were arrested on December 1. This followed their detention by the State Security Service (SSS) on November 29. The charges, under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code, accuse them of trying to violently seize power and change the constitutional order by force. Both politicians deny these charges, calling them politically motivated.

The arrests led to quick condemnation from international human rights groups and European institutions. They see this as more proof that Azerbaijan is becoming increasingly authoritarian and trying to wipe out political opposition.

International Reaction

Amnesty International (AI) quickly spoke out against the arrests. Denis Krivosheev, AI’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said Karimli’s arrest is the latest concerning step in Azerbaijan's increasing authoritarianism. He emphasized that the government seems willing to do anything to crush political opposition and silence any form of protest.

Krivosheev said arresting a major opposition leader on such a questionable charge sends a concerning message about how far the Azerbaijani government is willing to go. AI is asking for Karimli's immediate release unless authorities can show solid proof to back up the criminal charge. They noted that his isolation violates his right to a fair trial.

The Council of Europe (CoE) also criticized the situation. Frank Schwabe, a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) from Germany, said Karimli's detention shows Azerbaijan is moving away from European values. He stated that President Ilham Aliyev is closing the door of the Council of Europe on himself. This comes after PACE suspended Azerbaijan's voting rights in 2024 because it has not met human rights obligations.

The European Union (EU), through its Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anitta Hipper, said they are watching the situation closely. The EU expects Azerbaijan to follow its international agreements, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The EU wants Baku to make sure the accused have access to independent legal help and proper healthcare.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) and other human rights advocates share these worries. Giorgi Gogia, HRW’s Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia, said the arrests continue a long history of political persecution. The goal is to wipe out opposition and shield those in power from scrutiny. He said the APFP has been targeted, with almost 20 of its members already in jail. Florian Irminger of the End Repression in Azerbaijan campaign cautioned that the international community's political silence on such escalations is seen by Baku as approval for deeper repression.

Domestic Political Situation

These arrests come as journalists, academics, and opposition figures face increasing repression. Government-aligned media claimed the arrests are tied to a criminal investigation into Ramiz Mehdiyev, a former head of the Presidential Administration, for alleged treason and a coup attempt. Karimli denies this. The APFP said SSS officers planted a letter from Mehdiyev to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a search of Karimli's home.

In Azerbaijan, the arrests led to a suggestion to shut down the APFP. Ali Huseynli, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Legal Policy and State Building, said the investigation should lead to a review of the APFP's registration under the new Political Parties Law. Seymur Hazi, APFP Deputy Chairman, quickly responded that the attack on the party is an attack on Azerbaijan's independence.