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.
Turkey has abolished the "foreigner" status for citizens of Turkic states, signing a decree simplifying their employment. Now, residents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will be able to work and do business in Turkey without citizenship or special permits (except for military and security service).
The conditions for obtaining a work permit for citizens of Turkic-speaking countries are a residence permit, the absence of security risks in their professional activities, and membership in the Turkic community.
The decree also requires foreigners to register with professional associations on an equal basis with Turkish citizens, but without voting rights. This decision follows the summit of the Organization of Turkic States, where issues of economic integration and the free movement of labor were discussed.