European Court of Human Rights rejects Ali Karimli's claims in application against Azerbaijan
The European Court of Human Rights has rejected the claims of Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (AXCP) chairman Ali Karimli in his application against Azerbaijan (No. 33395/26) and decided not to apply interim measures under Rule 39 of the Rules of Court.
The proceedings at the European Court of Human Rights on the application of Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (AXCP) chairman Ali Karimli against Azerbaijan (No. 33395/26) have concluded, with the Court rejecting the claims.
Ali Karimli applied to the European Court seeking a decision against Azerbaijan, alleging that his rights had been violated during the investigation, including in the pre-trial detention centre where he is held. The Court examined the information submitted by the applicant and his defence lawyers, as well as the mutual information gathered in this connection.
The European Court rejected the claims and decided, under Rule 39 of the Rules of Court, not to apply against Azerbaijan the interim measures requested in the application. Rule 39 allows the Court to indicate interim measures to a state pending the examination of a case where the applicant faces a risk of serious and irreparable harm.
On 3 November, the Baku Grave Crimes Court began hearing the criminal case against Ali Karimli and Mammad Ibrahim, a member of the party's Presidium. The hearing was held behind closed doors, and journalists and AXCP activists were not allowed into the building. Motions by the defendants to terminate the criminal case and to change the measure of restraint of detention were not granted; the next hearing is scheduled for 13 November.
Ali Karimli and Mammad Ibrahim were arrested in November 2025. They were initially reported to be held within the criminal case related to former head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev, but the cases were later separated. Both have been charged under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code – actions aimed at the violent seizure of power or the violent change of the constitutional order of the state. The article carries a penalty of 12 to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.
Ali Karimli and Mammad Ibrahim reject the charges and say their arrests were politically ordered. The AXCP leadership has called the charges politically motivated.
