OPINION: Azerbaijani Opposition Leader Ali Karmili’s Detention Conditions Keep Deteriorating

We wish to draw urgent attention to the rapidly deteriorating detention conditions of Mr. Ali Karimli, chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, former state secretary of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and one of the country’s leading democratic opposition figures.

According to information provided by Mr. Karimli’s lawyers and family members, his conditions of detention have significantly worsened since mid-June.

Mr. Karimli was recently transferred to a new prison cell where he is being held together with inmates accused of extremist and terrorism-related offences. One of these inmates reportedly served seven years in prison in Turkey on terrorism charges and was later extradited to Azerbaijan. According to available information, the same individual previously spent several months in a psychiatric institution in Georgia.

Lawyers report that this inmate continuously shouts, loudly recites prayers throughout the day and night, and engages in behavior that creates a constant atmosphere of psychological distress inside the cell. As a result, Mr. Karimli has reportedly been deprived of normal sleep for at least 12 consecutive days.

We are deeply concerned that prolonged sleep deprivation and continuous psychological pressure may have serious consequences for Mr. Karimli’s physical and mental health. According to information received from his legal team, he is already experiencing significant nervous and psychological strain.

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In addition, Mr. Karimli has reportedly been denied family visits and has not been allowed outside for fresh air or daily exercise for at least 12 consecutive days. Such restrictions raise serious concerns regarding compliance with international standards governing the treatment of detainees, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules).

Given Mr. Karimli’s prominent political role and the politically sensitive nature of the case against him, these developments require urgent public attention and independent scrutiny.

We respectfully call upon international media outlets, human rights organizations, democratic institutions, and diplomatic missions to closely monitor Mr. Karimli’s situation and publicly raise concerns regarding his treatment and conditions of detention.

Experience has repeatedly shown that international attention and public reporting can play a crucial role in preventing further abuses and protecting the fundamental rights and physical safety of political prisoners.

We remain ready to provide additional information, legal documentation, and further details to journalists, human rights defenders, and international organizations upon request.

The views expressed in this opinion article are the author’s and not necessarily those of Kyiv Post.