Baku: An appeal requesting a change to the pre-trial detention of Ali Karimli, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), has been denied by the Sabail District Court. The appeal was filed following Karimli’s detention during an operation by the State Security Service (SSS), as reported by APA.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the motion was reviewed at the Sabail District Court today, resulting in a decision to reject the appeal. This decision upholds the initial ruling by the Baku Court of Appeal, which confirmed the pre-trial detention measure of 2 months and 15 days for Karimli.

Ali Karimli and Mammad Ibrahimli, a member of the APFP’s Presidium, were interrogated by the State Security Service concerning an ongoing investigation. Their homes were searched, and both were subsequently taken to the SSS. Karimli faces charges under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to actions aimed at seizing power by force or altering the constitutional order through forceful means.

The investigation involving Karimli and Ibrahim is linked to a criminal case concerning Ramiz Mehdiyev, the former head of the Presidential Administration. Mehdiyev is charged under multiple articles of the Criminal Code, including 278.1 for acts aimed at seizing state power, 274 for state treason, and 193-1.3.2 for the legalization of property acquired through criminal methods.