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Leader of Azerbaijan’s Main Opposition Party Ali Karimli Arrested

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On 29 November 2025, following a search conducted at his home by the State Security Service (SSS), the Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), Ali Karimli, was detained. He was first designated as a suspect and later formally charged as an accused person, after which a pre-trial detention measure of 2 months and 15 days was imposed on him.

On 1 November, criminal charges under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code (“actions aimed at violently seizing power or violently altering the constitutional order”) were brought against PFPA Chairman Ali Karimli and party Presidium member Mammad Ibrahim.

In a statement issued by the PFPA, the party declared that Ali Karimli’s arrest is politically motivated and part of a broader campaign aimed at silencing government critics. The party condemned the operation, calling it an “act of intimidation” directed at destabilizing opposition activities ahead of major political developments.