Azerbaijan has witnessed a sweeping crackdown on its opposition, targeting the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP) and allied political groups. At the center of these developments is the arrest of AXCP chairman Ali Karimli and several party members, linked to the investigation of former Presidential Administration head Ramiz Mehdiyev.
On November 29, 2025, Ali Karimli and AXCP Political Council member Mammad Ibrahim were detained by the State Security Service (DTX). Their homes were searched, along with the residences of other party members, including the party’s Sabunchu district chair Fariz Alizada.
The Azerbaijani government media reported that the raids and detentions were part of a criminal investigation into Ramiz Mehdiyev, who faces charges of attempting to seize state power, treason, and laundering property obtained by criminal means. Saleh Rustamov, a former Gadabay District executive who had been previously imprisoned in Russia and later pardoned, was also briefly detained during this period.
The AXCP described the arrests as politically motivated, accusing the government of launching a “new large-scale campaign of repression against national-democratic forces” to suppress dissent and civil liberties.
On December 1, the Sabail District Court formally charged Karimli and Ibrahim under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code for actions aimed at forcibly seizing power and altering the constitutional order. The court ordered pre-trial detention for 2 months and 15 days. Pro-government media linked the arrests directly to the ongoing investigation of Ramiz Mehdiyev.
In the same period, several other AXCP members were briefly detained and later released. Gultakin Hacibayli, a member of the National Council, was detained in Istanbul by Turkish authorities, with possible deportation to Azerbaijan. Jamil Hasanli, the council’s chairman, was summoned to DTX as a witness.
On December 4, Elnur Seyidov, a former political prisoner and Ali Karimli’s brother-in-law, had his home searched by DTX, and his phone was confiscated. Seyidov had previously been imprisoned for fraud, abuse of office, and forgery and was released in 2019 by presidential pardon.
Karimli’s appeal of the detention order was heard on December 5 at the Baku Court of Appeals. The court upheld the Sabail District Court’s ruling. Over 20 AXCP activists attempting to attend the hearing were detained, including party officials Sagif Gurbanov and Ramid Nagiyev. Internet access near the court was reportedly blocked during the proceedings.
Political and Expert Reactions
The arrests have generated widespread concern among political analysts and opposition figures.
Political commentator Rauf Mirgadirov criticized the charges as illogical: “Ali Karimli cannot carry out a coup with 2,000 people. Without the security structures, no coup is possible in Azerbaijan. I see this as almost a joke. One person arrested, but what about the others?”
Arastun Orujlu linked the crackdown to the broader political and social crisis in Azerbaijan, noting internal divisions within the ruling team and regional geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Turkey, Russia, the U.S., and China. He suggested the arrests might be aimed at silencing opposition ahead of potential unpopular decisions by the government.
REAL Party chairman Natig Jafarli emphasized the need for evidence, questioning why alleged events from 2013 were only being pursued 12 years later. Azerbaijan Ümid Party chairman Igbal Aghazada called for objective investigations and protection of all legal rights for detainees.
Musavat Party deputy chairman Arif Hajili highlighted the absurdity of linking the arrests to alleged ties with Russia, noting that pro-independence Azerbaijani parties have historically been targeted by Russia, yet the current accusations were politically manufactured.
International Reactions
International organizations condemned Karimli’s detention.
Amnesty International described the arrest as evidence of growing authoritarianism in Azerbaijan, warning that detaining opposition leaders under coup charges signals the government’s intent to crush dissent. Denis Krivosheyev, Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, stated: “The authorities have shown how determined they are to continue politically motivated arrests against opposition members, academics, journalists, and activists.”
Human Rights Watch emphasized that the arrests are part of a long-standing pattern to stifle civil and political rights. Giorgi Qogiya, Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia, remarked: “The arrest of Karimli demonstrates the systematic pressure on organized political opposition in Azerbaijan.”
European institutions also expressed concern. Frank Schwabe, member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe from Germany, said: “Karimli’s detention shows how far Azerbaijan has moved away from European values, closing the door to its participation in the Council of Europe.” The EU stated it expects Azerbaijan to respect its international obligations, including access to independent legal aid and adequate healthcare for detainees.
Florian Irminger, coordinator of the “End Repression in Azerbaijan” campaign, warned that international inaction could encourage further government crackdowns.
Despite the arrests, AXCP vice-chair Seymur Hazi stated that the party will continue its activities: “The AXCP has been operating under blockade before. The party’s structures remain intact and will continue functioning according to its charter. Our civil, democratic, and legal struggle will continue.”
Meanwhile, the National Council’s future remains uncertain. Chairman Jamil Hasanli noted: “The council operates on a voluntary, non-registered basis. We will see what happens and respond accordingly.”
Currently, more than 20 AXCP members are reportedly detained, highlighting a significant escalation in Azerbaijan’s crackdown on opposition forces and raising concerns among international observers about the country’s democratic trajectory.
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