Azerbaijan Extends Pretrial Detention of Leader of Largest Opposition Party
A Baku court has extended the pretrial detention of Ali Karimli, chairman of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), by four months. He is charged under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code, which provides for liability for actions aimed at the violent seizure of power or overthrowing the constitutional order.
It is noted that following searches of the homes of Ali Karimli and PFPA presidium member Mammad Ibrahim, both were questioned by the State Security Service.
Since late 2025, Ali Karimli has been a defendant in the case against former head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev, whom investigators believe is involved in an attempted coup d'état. The PFPA calls the case fabricated and politically motivated. The party denies any "Russian connection" or involvement in the coup attempts, emphasizing its commitment to European integration and peaceful methods of struggle.
International human rights organizations and the European Parliament have expressed support for Karimli and other Azerbaijani activists and journalists under arrest and in prison. The PFPA leader has repeatedly criticized President Ilham Aliyev for political repression and corruption.
