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.
The Ingush Telegram channel "Wanted Ingushetia", associated with security forces, published a video with Imam Nazir Dzeitov, accused of illegal possession of weapons. In the video, Dzeitov claims that he was in contact with Ansar Garkkho, the head of the "Ingush Independence Committee".
After Dzeitov was detained, activists of the "Committee" reported that the imam was tortured by security forces in order to extract a confession. Garkkho also confirmed this information.
In the recording, Dzeitov talks about meeting Garkkho in 2019 in Saudi Arabia and the subsequent correspondence. According to the imam, the latter asked him to provide information and transfer money. Garkkho claims that after Dzeitov's detention, he received calls and messages from his number containing threats and confessions of torture.
Dzeitov was charged with illegal possession of a pistol and ammunition, allegedly found at his home by FSB officers after a denunciation. The court placed him under house arrest.
According to some reports, Dzeitov was acquainted with imams Magomed-Bashir Tamaskhanov and Magomed Sultygov, who had previously been detained and then released on suspicion of having ties to those involved in attacks on security forces.