Human rights defenders have submitted a complaint to the UN regarding the conditions of Kerimli's detention.

The arrested leader of the opposition party in Azerbaijan, Ali Kerimli, is restricted in access to drinking water, quality food, contact with the outside world, and is held in unfavorable sanitary conditions, human rights defenders stated.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", associates of the leader of the opposition party of the Azerbaijan Popular Front, Ali Kerimli, and human rights defenders stated that the conditions of his detention in the pre-trial detention center have significantly worsened in recent months. Kerimli's contacts with his family are restricted, and they also stated that he is not provided with medical examinations.

The Canada-based international human rights organization "Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights" submitted an urgent complaint to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention regarding Ali Kerimli on September 29, expressing "serious concern over the deterioration of the conditions and circumstances of his detention."

The complaint contains a call for "urgent international attention" and a demand for the "immediate and unconditional release of [Kerimli], as required by fundamental human rights standards and due legal process," as stated in a message on the organization's website, which was translated into Russian by a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot."

Human rights defenders noted that in the pre-trial detention center, Kerimli faces significant restrictions in access to clean drinking water and quality food. They also pointed out the lack of proper ventilation in the cell during high temperatures and humidity, violations of sleep patterns, unfavorable sanitary and hygienic conditions, as well as significant restrictions on contacts with the outside world.

The authors of the appeal urged the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to take all possible measures to protect Kerimli and ensure his immediate release.

In turn, the head of the press service of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party Natig Adilov informed a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot" that the Azerbaijani government sent a response to the European Court of Human Rights regarding the request for urgent protective measures concerning Kerimli due to complaints about the conditions of his detention and treatment.

"The response provided false information and claims that there are no problems with Ali Kerimli, although he is still being held in harsh conditions. The British law firm representing Ali Kerimli at the European Court of Human Rights, 'Doughty Street Chambers,' has already reviewed the 'response.' They are preparing their comments, which will detail the falsehood of the response sent from Baku to the Strasbourg court's request," Adilov said, noting that he is not authorized to disclose the details of the communication.

The investigation into Kerimli's case is completed

A representative of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party also emphasized that "a week ago" Kerimli was informed about the completion of the preliminary investigation.

Ali Kerimli rejects the charges and considers them fabricated

"It is obvious that in the coming weeks the case will go to court. Ali Kerimli rejects the charges and considers them false, fabricated, and politically motivated," Adilov stated.

Recall that in November 2025, employees of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan detained the leader of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, Ali Kerimli, and his advisor, Mamed Ibrahim. Both opposition figures were arrested and 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). They rejected the charges, and Kerimli called his criminal case political persecution.

In 2025, Azerbaijani authorities intensified repression against the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, culminating in the arrests of Ali Kerimli and his associates, as previously stated by the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party.

The Azerbaijan Popular Front Party has become a target for the Azerbaijani authorities due to its consistent struggle against the strengthening of authoritarianism and corruption in the country. Moreover, there is no other party in Azerbaijan that has also been "permanently subjected to pressure, persecution, and repression" over the past 20 years, said the chairman of the National Council of Democratic Forces, Jamil Hasanli, to "Caucasian Knot."

The number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan reached a peak in 2024, marking 23 years of the country's membership in the Council of Europe, according to a report by "Caucasian Knot" titled "Main points about the record number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan". At the same time, Azerbaijani authorities deny the existence of political prisoners in the country.