The conditions of Ali Kerimli's detention in the pre-trial detention center have raised concerns among human rights defenders.

The administration of the pre-trial detention center did not provide the leader of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, Ali Kerimli, with a medical examination, he is being held in poor sanitary conditions, and his access to drinking water is limited, stated the International Society for Human Rights. Human rights defenders called on the Azerbaijani authorities to stop the criminal prosecution of the opposition figure and release him.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on August 3, the defense announced pressure on the leader of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, Ali Kerimli, in the pre-trial detention center.

Human rights defenders drew the authorities' attention to the violation of Kerimli's rights

The Frankfurt-based International Society for Human Rights (IGFM) issued a statement regarding the criminal prosecution of the chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), Ali Kerimli, and the conditions of his detention.

In its statement, IGFM expressed serious concern about the conditions of Ali Kerimli's detention.

"IGFM sounds the alarm regarding the extremely harsh conditions of detention of the leader of the Azerbaijani opposition, Ali Kerimli. According to his family, the 61-year-old chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party is not allowed to undergo urgently needed medical examinations. The conditions in the cell where he is held also raise serious concerns: garbage is not removed, bedding is not changed, and access to drinking water is limited," the organization's statement, received by the correspondent of "Caucasian Knot", said.

Human rights defenders called on the authorities of Germany and the European Union (EU) to immediately use available political and economic leverage against the Azerbaijani authorities regarding Kerimli's case.

Kerimli needs medical assistance and conditions of detention that correspond to human dignity, stated IGFM board member Valerio Kruger.

"We also demand the complete cessation of the criminal case against him and his immediate release. Germany and the European Union must not wait until political repression turns into a medical tragedy," Kruger said, whose words are quoted in the organization's statement.

IGFM considers the criminal prosecution of Ali Kerimli to be politically motivated and views it as "part of the repressive policy of the authorities towards the democratic opposition".

According to the organization, Ali Kerimli was deprived of the opportunity to communicate with family members for a certain period. IGFM expressed particular concern over information that the opposition figure is being held in the same cell with a prisoner who has mental issues and is allegedly connected to the terrorist organization "Islamic State" (IS, recognized as a terrorist organization in Russia).

According to human rights defenders, the current situation practically does not allow Kerimli to sleep and rest normally. IGFM believes that Kerimli's case is one of the examples of systematic repression against the opposition in Azerbaijan.

As another example, IGFM cited the fate of Kerimli's former deputy, the late Geyzal Bayramly, whom the organization had previously supported. After being released from prison, Bayramly died a year later from the consequences of cancer, the treatment of which, according to IGFM, was started too late.

"The case of Geyzal Bayramly should serve as a serious warning to us. We must not allow a repetition of this tragedy in the case of Ali Kerimli," stated Valerio Kruger.

IGFM called on the European Union to consider the human rights situation when developing economic and energy relations with Azerbaijan.

Against the backdrop of Europe's desire to diversify energy supply sources, Azerbaijan has gained significant importance as a partner of the EU. However, according to the human rights organization, "the development of economic cooperation must be accompanied by adherence to the principles of the rule of law and human rights".

"Parties interested in expanding economic and energy relations with Azerbaijan must clearly define the conditions of such cooperation, including requirements in the field of human rights and the rule of law," Kruger summarized.

Kerimli is banned from meeting with relatives

There are no improvements in Kerimli's conditions of detention. He is still not allowed to talk on the phone or meet with family members. He continues to be held in the same cell with a mentally unstable person accused of participating in armed formations. In front of Kerimli's cell door, there is still a phone that rings every 15 minutes at night, disrupting his sleep and peace, reported an employee of the APFP press service.

"The only concession has been that instead of five liters of water per week, he is now allowed to receive 10 liters of drinking water. During the hot period, five liters was very little, less than one liter per day. Food was not accepted on the pretext that it was summer, as if in the heat the food could spoil. Although they have a refrigerator in the pre-trial detention center. On September 3, their "summer season" ends, we will see if they will accept food for Ali Kerimli," said the press service employee to the correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

No investigative actions are being conducted with Kerimli, he added.

"Caucasian Knot" currently does not have comments from the investigative authority and the pre-trial detention center of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan.