Azerbaijani Opposition Leader's Controversial Arrest Sparks Political Tensions

Ali Karimli, leader of Azerbaijan's Popular Front Party, faces pre-trial detention amid charges of attempting to overthrow President Ilham Aliyev. Karimli and his legal team refute the charges as politically driven. His arrest ties into ongoing investigations linked to former presidential administration head, Ramiz Mehdiyev.

A key opposition figure in Azerbaijan has been detained on accusations of plotting to overthrow the government, drawing accusations of political motivation. Ali Karimli, head of the Azerbaijani Popular Front Party since 2000, was remanded in pre-trial detention by a court order effective until mid-February. His lawyer vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as a political maneuver.

The arrest followed a weekend raid by Azerbaijan's State Security Service on Karimli's residence. In addition to Karimli, two other APFP members were detained, including Mammad Ibrahim, who also faces pre-trial detention. According to a government source, the investigation into Karimli is linked to a criminal case involving Ramiz Mehdiyev, who oversaw the presidential administration for 25 years.

Authorities allege Karimli received financial backing from Mehdiyev, who is currently under house arrest. However, APFP's deputy chairman Fuad Gahramanli has publicly dismissed any connections between Karimli and Mehdiyev, intensifying the controversy surrounding the detentions.

(With inputs from agencies.)