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.
Relatives visited two Crimean Tatar political prisoners - human rights activist and coordinator of the "Crimean Solidarity" Server Mustafayev and the chairman of the religious community "Topchikoy" Edem Smailov.
Mustafaev's server is in a strict regime colony in Tambov. In prison, his health problems worsened and heart pains appeared. The necessary consultation of a cardiologist has not yet been provided to the human rights activist. Edem Smailov is being held in a colony in the Kostroma region. The wife of the political prisoner said that his eyesight had deteriorated and periodontitis had worsened.
On September 16, 2022, the Southern District Military Court of Rostov-on-Don sentenced Mustafaev to 14 years and Smailov to 13 years in prison. Both were charged with participation in the activities of a terrorist organization, but the Crimean Tatars pleaded not guilty and stated that they were being persecuted for their religious beliefs.