Weekend Crackdown in Azerbaijan, including Arrest of Opposition Leader, Ali Karimli

Ali Karimli now stands as a suspect in the criminal case started against Ramiz Mehdiyev under coup d’État (Section 278 of the Criminal Code), treason (Section 274) and money laundering (Section 193-1) His home was searched without his counsel present, and pro-government media have begun circulating claims of a “letter” allegedly linking him to former presidential administration head Ramiz Mehdiyev — claims that PFPA members describe as fabricated and planted during the search.

Karimli’s adviser Mammad Ibrahim, a former political prisoner, was also detained after a search during which his electronic devices were seized. He refused to sign the search protocol. Both Karimli and Ibrahim currently have limited access to legal counsel. Under Azerbaijani law, formal charges may be issued within 48 to 96 hours; court hearings on pre-trial detention are expected early next week.

The scope of the crackdown further widened across the weekend. Authorities detained Saleh Rustamov on 29 November, a long-targeted PFPA-linked political figure previously imprisoned. He was released on 30 November. In Turkey, former MP and PFPA leader Gultakin Hajibayli was detained, reportedly in connection with the same “Mehdiyev case”; she now faces the risk of deportation to Azerbaijan and arrest upon return. PFPA members Faig Amirli və Ruslan Amirov were detained but released the same day, while Fariz Alizade remains incommunicado detention. other PFPA officials and affiliates are under risk of being arrested and charged.

The crackdown has extended beyond detentions. Historian Jamil Hasanli, head of the National Council aligned with the PFPA, discovered an travel ban when attempting to travel with his wife on 30 November. He was simultaneously summoned by the security services for questioning in the same case. No credible link between Hasanli and the “Mehdiyev investigation” has been presented.

The Popular Front Party has condemned the detentions as politically motivated and warned that authorities are attempting to “destroy the last independent political force in Azerbaijan”. They note that Ali Karimli has faced systematic repression for years, including severe internet restrictions, surveillance, and repeated legal harassment, and that his growing international visibility has put him under renewed pressure.

The pattern of events this weekend fits a familiar method of repression: sudden raids, confiscations of devices, planted evidence, denial of counsel, and sweeping accusations such as treason and coup plotting. Those targeted remain in a legal limbo as authorities prepare the next steps of the case.

The Campaign to End Repression in Azerbaijan is closely monitoring developments. We strongly condemn these actions over this weekend crackdown and call upon the international community to take measure of the evolution of the repression in Azerbaijan. We call upon the immediate release of Ali Karimli and his associates and for all charges against them to be dropped unconditionally.

We will issue further updates as court hearings and formal charges become clear. Receive updates from our CRISIS DESK.