Opposition figure Gulu Mammadli stated that the arrest of Ali Karimli, leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), was expected, but the reasons go beyond simple criticism of the authorities. According to Mammadli, Karimli's publications in major Western media have increased his political significance and visibility abroad, which has caused concern among the Azerbaijani authorities.
Azerbaijan has officially confirmed the arrest of eight leaders of the separatist enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. This:
1. Ruben Vardanyan – “ex-state minister of Karabakh”, former citizen of the Russian Federation, billionaire. He has been charged with financing terrorism, creating illegal armed groups and illegally crossing the Azerbaijani border.
2. David Manukyan - “former deputy commander of the Armed Forces and general of Karabakh.” He was accused of terrorist activities.
3. Levon Mnatsakanyan – “former commander of the Karabakh Defense Army, general.” Accused of torturing prisoners and shelling Azerbaijani territory.
4. David Babayan – “former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Karabakh.” Accused of torturing prisoners and shelling Azerbaijani territory.
5. Bako Sahakyan – “former president of Karabakh (2007-2020).”
6. Arkady Ghukasyan – “former president of Karabakh (1997-2007).”
7. David Ishkhanyan – “Chairman of the National Assembly of Karabakh.”
8. Arayik Harutyunyan – “former President of Karabakh (2020-2023), former Minister of State (2007-2018).”
The current President of Karabakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, who signed a decree ending the existence of the unrecognized republic, will remain in Stepanakert until the completion of the search for the remains of those killed and missing as a result of the hostilities on September 19–20.