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.
Public activist Baku Bakhtiyar Hajiyev continues his hunger strike for 42 days. Meanwhile, since February 16, he went on a dry hunger strike.
According to Hajiev, the guards in his room loudly turn on the TV and do not let them sleep. The prisoner asked the lawyer to write a complaint about inhuman treatment.
Azerbaijan’s continued arrest and ill-treatment of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev is a gross injustice and a violation of its basic human rights obligations. This was stated by the US Congress Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission.
Bakhtiyar Hajiyev was detained on 9 December 2022 on charges of hooliganism and contempt of court. On the same day, the court arrested him for 1 month and 20 days. Later, the arrest was renewed. International human rights organizations called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release the activist.