Opposition Leader Ali Karimli Reportedly Subjected to Inhuman Treatment in Prison

Supporters of imprisoned Azerbaijani opposition leader Ali Karimli say he is being subjected to psychological pressure and inhuman treatment in prison in an attempt to prevent him from communicating with international media.

According to a statement published by the “Freedom for Ali Karimli” campaign, citing his lawyers, prison authorities have intensified restrictions following Karimli’s efforts to send articles and interviews to international media outlets from prison.

The statement says that, during the past week, Karimli was once again denied his right to make a telephone call to his family. His daily outdoor exercise period has also reportedly been reduced from two hours to one.

His lawyers further allege that prison authorities have refused to deliver written summaries of public discussions on social media that they prepared for Karimli. Although the defense challenged the restriction in court, the complaint has reportedly not yet been examined.

The campaign also claims that a fellow inmate suffering from serious mental health problems remains housed in Karimli’s cell despite repeated complaints.

According to the statement, the inmate was transferred into Karimli’s cell shortly after the opposition leader gave an interview to the French television channel France 24 in mid-June.

Supporters allege that the prisoner repeatedly wakes during the night, shouts loudly, performs religious rituals, cries, and strikes his head against the wall, making it impossible for others in the cell to sleep.

The statement further claims that prison surveillance cameras record these incidents continuously and that security officials are aware of the situation but have taken no action.

Karimli’s lawyers believe the purpose of keeping the inmate in the same cell is to subject the opposition leader to prolonged psychological pressure, deprive him of sleep, and damage his physical and mental health.

The defense filed a complaint with the Sabail District Court, alleging torture and inhuman treatment. According to the campaign, however, the court refused to accept the complaint for consideration.

Despite the reported restrictions, the “Freedom for Ali Karimli” campaign says the opposition leader intends to continue his political activities from prison and has called on the public to show solidarity with him.

Ali Karimli, chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), has been in custody since November 29, 2025. He and party executive Mammad Ibrahim were charged with attempting to violently overthrow Azerbaijan’s constitutional order.

The opposition maintains that the charges are politically motivated and links the arrests to the broader investigation involving former Presidential Administration chief Ramiz Mehdiyev.

International human rights organizations and independent observers have criticized Karimli’s imprisonment, describing it as part of a wider crackdown on political opposition in Azerbaijan.

According to the latest list published by the Union for the Freedom of Azerbaijan’s Political Prisoners, there are currently 328 political prisoners in the country. Azerbaijani authorities reject that characterization, insisting that those imprisoned have been prosecuted for criminal offenses rather than their political beliefs.