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.
Demonstrations by representatives of the Chechen diaspora and local activists were held in Austria, France and other European countries. They commemorated the 79th anniversary of Stalin’s deportation of the Vainah peoples. The event was organized by representatives of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria.
Two meetings were held in France, at which the memories of repression against the Vainahs were combined with a speech against the Russian war in Ukraine. In addition, a public action was held in front of the UN office in Vienna to commemorate the anniversary of Stalin’s deportation. The participants talked not only about the crimes of the past, but also about the modern Russian Federation, which initiates wars and tensions with neighboring states.
Recall that in 1944 and subsequent years about 500 thousand Chechens and Ingush were deported. Up to 35% of them died and later did not return to their homeland. Today, February 24, marked the beginning of the Russian war against Ukraine.