Shamshad Aga: "Such repressions cannot suppress the people's desire for democracy and justice"

Shamshad Aga

Journalist Shamshad Aga, the editor-in-chief of arqument.az, who is currently detained in the "Meydan TV case," has written a letter from Baku Investigation Isolator regarding the arrest of Ali Karimli. We present the letter as is: "I strongly condemn the arrest of Ali Karimli. I consider this the next act of repression against democracy by the authorities and personally by Ilham Aliyev. The chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), Ali Karimli, and Mammad Ibrahim, a member of the party's Supreme Assembly, were detained on fake charges and later arrested by a court decision. Both of them were charged with actions aimed at forcibly seizing power and forcibly changing the constitutional structure. It is known to all of us that this accusation is completely fabricated and aims to neutralize political opponents. Ali Karimli and Mammad Ibrahim will remain in custody for months during the investigation period. Their arrest is part of a broader intimidation campaign against the democratic opposition in the country. These steps by the authorities are a new and large-scale persecution campaign launched against democratic forces in our country. For years, the government has been trying to create fear in society by arresting critics under various pretexts. However, such repressions cannot suppress the people's desire for democracy and justice. Ali Karimli, Mammad Ibrahim, and other innocent detainees must be released immediately. Let's not forget that those who try to silence Ali Karimli today may dare to trample on the rights of each of us tomorrow. People fighting for democracy and freedoms need our defense and solidarity. I believe that justice will ultimately prevail. Together, we must stop this wave of repression and continue the struggle for freedom and justice for the future of our country."

Shamshad Aga

Baku Investigation Isolator