Fuad Gahramanli, an Azerbaijani opposition figure, sharply criticized the government of Ilham Aliyev. The reason was the ban imposed on Ali Karimli, the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), who was unable to attend his father's funeral.

Gahramanli called the ban an act of personal revenge and an inhumane policy that crosses all acceptable moral boundaries. He believes the regime is angry at Ali Karimli for his commitment to his beliefs. The opposition figure emphasized that the authorities fear Karimli's influence, as he is positioned in the public eye as a real alternative to the current leadership.

"Not giving a son the opportunity to say goodbye to his late father for the last time is an act of cowardice," Gahramanli stated.

He also noted that, despite the ban, thousands of people accompanied Karimli's father on his final journey with prayers and sincere condolences.

PFPA leader Ali Karimli was unable to attend the farewell ceremony for his father, which took place in the village of Azadkend in the Saatli district. Despite official requests from his lawyers, the authorities denied the opposition leader permission to bid farewell to his loved one.

Ali Karimli was arrested in late 2025 in connection with a case involving former head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev. He is accused of attempting a coup d'état, but Karimli denies all charges, calling them fabricated and politically motivated. The PFPA, for its part, denies any involvement in the coup, denies any "Russian involvement," and declares its commitment to European integration and non-violent methods of struggle.