Trial of opposition party activist begins in Azerbaijan

A criminal case has begun in a Baku court against Novruz Taghiyev, an activist with the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), accused of fraud and document forgery. Taghiyev is also known as a pro bono security guard for PFPA leader Ali Karimli.

Tagiyev's defense team filed three motions. Specifically, they insisted on dismissing the case due to a lack of convincing evidence. Alternatively, the defense asked the court to change the preventive measure to house arrest. They also requested that Taghiyev be allowed to remain in the courtroom with his lawyer, rather than in a glass cage, which the defense believes is necessary for effective work. The court granted only the latter motion.

On November 29, 2025, State Security Service officers detained Ali Karimli and his advisor, Mammad Ibrahim. Both opposition figures were sentenced to two and a half months of pretrial detention. Kerimli is accused of attempting to violently seize power, but denies the charges, considering the case politically motivated.

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