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.
Four Dagestani residents were sentenced to 7 to 8 years in the case of the riots at the Makhachkala airport, which took place in October 2023. The total number of defendants exceeded 60 people.
The Stavropol Krai Court found that Kurbanismail Karabekov, Kurban Kurbanov, Shakhban Magomedov and Magomedsaid Murtazaliev took part in mass riots accompanied by violence and destruction of property. They were also found guilty of failure to comply with transport security requirements.
Human rights activists pointed out the bias of the trial: among the defendants there could have been those who did not participate in the storming of the airport. Relatives of many of the defendants said that they considered the sentences too harsh and unfair.
Recall that on October 29, 2023, hundreds of people stormed the Makhachkala airport, trying to find passengers on a transit flight from Tel Aviv. Those gathered were protesting against Israel's actions in Palestine.