Political events are intensifying in Baku. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
On December 1, at the Sabail District Court in Baku, a verdict was issued against Ali Kerimli, leader of the "Azerbaijan Popular Front" national-democratic party, and Mamed Ibrohim, a member of the party's management. They were accused of attempting to seize power by force and were detained for 2 months and 15 days.
If the charges are confirmed, the politicians could face up to 12 years or life imprisonment. Ali Kerimli was detained on November 29.
According to official information, letters written on behalf of former presidential administration head Ramiz Mehtiyev were found with him. Mehtiyev was recently placed under house arrest, accused of attempting a coup and treason against the state.
According to Reuters, Kerimli is suspected of being financed by Mehtiyev. However, Kerimli denies these charges, calling them political repression.
Ali Kerimli has been leading the party since 2000. Due to being denied a passport for 20 years to travel abroad, the European Court of Human Rights recognized this as a violation of freedom.
Human rights defenders view Kerimli's arrest as a continuation of political repression in the country. According to the "Union for the Freedom of Political Prisoners," as of October 2025, the number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan has reached 392.
This is the highest figure during Ilham Aliyev's 22-year presidency. As a result, many journalists, human rights activists, and politicians are forced to leave the country.
