Jailed Azerbaijani Opposition Leader Urges West to Press Regime on Rights Record

Ali Karimli, the 61-year-old leader of Azerbaijan's pro-democracy opposition Popular Front Party, has been in pre-trial detention since December 1 following his arrest on November 29. He faces treason charges related to accusations of conspiring in a Russian-backed coup.

Karimli stated that the charges are unfounded and represent an inversion of his public positions advocating for Western engagement. Karimli described the conditions in the Baku detention facility as strict, noting that he has been held incommunicado initially and remains in a high-security setting.

He said the arrest is part of a broader campaign to eliminate organized political opposition in the country. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have identified at least 340 individuals detained as political prisoners, including journalists and activists.

Karimli stated that the regime's actions signal a new era aimed at permanently removing opposition. He noted that a 22-year-old critic died in prison in December under circumstances described as apparent suicide, with no investigation results published.

Freedom House rated Azerbaijan 6 out of 100 for global freedom, citing weakened opposition due to persecution and rampant corruption. Karimli urged Western trading partners to address the rights record, warning that inaction could lead to the disappearance of political opposition.

He specifically mentioned the UK as Azerbaijan's largest foreign investor and called for using leverage to promote stability. British officials raised Karimli's case with Azerbaijani government members on December 4, pressing for due legal process and access to medical care.