Karimli's deputy has been summoned for questioning in the Ramiz Mehdiyev case.

Deputy Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Fuad Gahramanli, has been summoned for questioning in the case of former head of the presidential administration, Ramiz Mehdiyev. Gahramanli, who is currently abroad, agreed to give a telephone statement to investigators.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," on November 29, State Security Service officers detained Ali Karimli and his advisor, Mammad Ibrahim, a member of the Presidium of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA). Both opposition figures have been remanded in custody for two and a half months, until February 13. Karimli is charged under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan (actions aimed at the violent seizure of power or the violent change of the constitutional order of the state). He denied the charges and called his criminal case political persecution.

On January 12, PFPA deputy chairman Fuad Gahramanli announced that he had summoned former head of the presidential administration, Ramiz Mehdiyev, to appear before investigators.

"I received a call from the Investigative Department of the State Security Service (SSS) and was summoned to testify in the Ramiz Mehdiyev case. "I told them that I am currently outside the country and that if they have any questions, I am ready to answer them over the phone," Gahramanli wrote on Facebook*.

He also noted that he has nothing to do with Mehdiyev's case. "Where am I, where is Ramiz Mehdiyev... During his tenure in government, I was arrested four times on slanderous criminal charges motivated by political intrigue. Although I am abroad, I have already answered all possible questions in my publications against Ramiz Mehdiyev," Gahramanli added.

Investigators' attempts to link Ramiz Mehdiyev to the Popular Front Party are absurd, the politician told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"Everyone knows that Mehdiyev, an official with ties to Russia and the Kremlin, was behind the repressions against our party, which advocates for Azerbaijan's European integration and for the democratic future of our country. Therefore, the accusations of "ties" to Mehdiyev brought against PFPA leader Ali Kerimli and another party figure, Mammad Ibrahim, are absurd and do not inspire public confidence," Gahramanli said.

He noted that he is currently in France. Gahramanli confirmed his willingness to answer investigators' questions by telephone or other means.

Caucasian Knot was unable to obtain comment from the State Security Service.