Opposition figure Gulu Mammadli stated that the arrest of Ali Karimli, leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), was expected, but the reasons go beyond simple criticism of the authorities. According to Mammadli, Karimli's publications in major Western media have increased his political significance and visibility abroad, which has caused concern among the Azerbaijani authorities.

Mammadli believes that international attention is undermining the image of the "unshakable leader" that President Ilham Aliyev strives to cultivate, and is portraying Karimli as a genuine political opponent in the West. The authorities, Mammadli is convinced, intend to eliminate Karimli from the political arena.

The opposition figure also noted that accusations against Karimli of "preparing a coup with Russia's participation" are aimed at discrediting him in the eyes of his Western partners and creating a negative image of him in the international community.

In conclusion, the opposition leader called on the West to respond appropriately and citizens to be proactive and show solidarity, emphasizing: "If we don't resist, even more difficult days await us."

Ali Kerimli is a defendant in the case against former head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev. Mehdiyev is accused of attempting to seize power and treason. According to investigators, Mehdiyev developed a coup plan, which envisioned the creation of a State Council for a transitional period under his leadership, and proposed it to Russia. It is alleged that Mehdiyev himself passed information about the plan and its participants to the Russian side. Russia, in turn, passed the information to Azerbaijan during a meeting of the heads of state in Dushanbe.