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.
Emil Ziyadinov, convicted in the Hizb ut-Tahrir case, was placed in solitary confinement (SHIZO) shortly after his arrival at Penal Colony No. 5 in the Arkhangelsk Region in September 2024. Following surgery in the hospital in April of this year and his return to the colony in May, he was again subjected to this punishment. The reasons for these measures remain unknown to the prisoner.
As a result of his placement in solitary confinement, Ziyadinov is deprived of the opportunity to receive parcels and money transfers from his family, and he is also denied visits from relatives.
Emil Ziyadinov was arrested in July 2020 and sentenced to 17 years in prison in April 2022. The man was found guilty of organizing the activities of a terrorist organization (Part 1 of Article 205.5 of the Criminal Code) and preparing for the violent seizure of power (Article 278 of the Criminal Code) based on his membership in the Islamic party Hizb ut-Tahrir.
In Russia, Hizb ut-Tahrir is designated a terrorist organization. Its members are accused and sentenced to prison terms after meeting in apartments, discussing political topics, and reading religious literature.