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.
The Nalchik Garrison Military Court sentenced serviceman Marat Khasanbiyev to five years in prison. He was accused of unauthorized abandonment of his unit under Part 5 of Article 337 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
According to investigators, on May 7, 2024, Khasanbiyev failed to show up for duty without good reason. He was absent from the military unit's deployment point for more than seven months. Only in January 2025 did the serviceman arrive at the military registration and enlistment office of the Elbrus District of Kabardino-Balkaria. Khasanbiyev admitted his guilt. He was sentenced to five years in a general regime penal colony.
Previously, the Nalchik Garrison Military Court had already sentenced contract soldiers and mobilized personnel to real prison terms many times. In particular, Algiz Valitov received two years in prison, and Amerkhan Kurskiyev received five years. Arsen Baev and Murat Khapov were sentenced to seven and five years in prison, respectively.