Azerbaijan Intensifies Crackdown on Political opposition, Raising Human Rights Concerns
December 22, 2025 – Azerbaijani authorities are escalating a long-standing campaign of repression against the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), a key opposition group. This crackdown, characterized by politically motivated prosecutions and intimidation, has considerably intensified in recent months, directly targeting the party’s leadership and membership. As an inevitable result, essential rights to freedom of expression and assembly are increasingly under threat.
For years, Human Rights Watch has documented a pattern of abuse within Azerbaijan’s justice system. This latest surge in repression builds upon that troubling history, signaling a worrying trend for democratic progress in the country.
Recent Developments & Arrests
The recent wave of detentions and charges demonstrates a clear attempt to dismantle the APFP’s ability to operate. Here’s a breakdown of key events:
* Ali Karimli, Party Chair: Placed in pre-trial detention on November 29th, facing charges of attempting to violently seize power. Karimli has been subject to a travel ban since 2005, severely restricting his ability to engage in international advocacy.
* Murad Sultan, Senior Party Official: Sentenced to 30 days of administrative detention on December 19th.
* Widespread Arrests: Throughout 2025,dozens of APFP members have been arbitrarily arrested and detained across Azerbaijan.
* Vugar Gadirov: Ordered to three months of pre-trial detention on December 13th, accused of weapons possession.
* Mehman Aliyev: Sentenced to five years in prison in April on dubious drug-related charges, allegedly in retaliation for documenting police abuse.
These arrests frequently rely on vague charges like “petty hooliganism” and “disobeying police orders,” which are easily abused to silence dissent. Party officials report that at least 20 members are currently imprisoned.
Questionable Charges and Due Process concerns
The accusations leveled against APFP members are often considered spurious and lack credible evidence. Many activists report being summoned to police stations, swiftly processed through court hearings, and held incommunicado for days. This pattern raises serious concerns about due process and the fairness of the Azerbaijani legal system. You can see how this impacts the ability of citizens to exercise thier rights.
A Tragic Death in Custody
the death of Elbeyi Kerimli, a 22-year-old APFP member, on December 12th has further deepened concerns. Kerimli died by apparent suicide while in detention, having been arrested in august 2023 for defacing a statue of former President Heydar Aliyev.
Initially arrested for vandalism, Kerimli was later charged with large-scale drug possession – a charge his supporters claim was fabricated. Authorities have launched an investigation into his death, but the findings have yet to be made public, fueling suspicions of foul play. This lack of clarity is deeply troubling.
Regional Impact & Patterns of Repression
The crackdown isn’t limited to Baku. Activists in regions like Binagadi, Yevlakh, Ordubad, and lankaran have also been targeted with detentions and swift court proceedings. This geographically broad repression suggests a systematic effort to suppress opposition throughout the country.
What Needs to Happen
The Azerbaijani government must take immediate steps to address this escalating human rights crisis. Specifically, we urge authorities to:
* Release all individuals detained solely for exercising their rights to peaceful political activity.
* Lift restrictions on political opposition, including the 20-year travel ban imposed on Ali Karimli.
* Ensure independent and impartial investigations into allegations of abuse and deaths in custody, including a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding Elbeyi Kerimli’s death.
* uphold the principles of due process and fair trial standards for all citizens.
The international community must also hold Azerbaijan accountable for its human rights record and press for the release of those unjustly detained. Protecting fundamental freedoms is crucial for a stable and democratic future for Azerbaijan.
Resources:
* [Meydan.tv](https://www.meydan.tv/az/article/eli-k%c9%99rimli-h%c9%99bs-ol
