Investigation concludes into APFP leader Ali Karimli on coup conspiracy charges

The preliminary investigation into the criminal case against Ali Karimli, chairman of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (APFP), and his deputy Mammad Ibrahim has been concluded, with case files handed over to defense counsel for review.

The probe, conducted by the Main Investigation Department of the State Security Service (SSS), resulted in final charges filed under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code, which penalizes actions aimed at the violent seizure of state power. The indictment and supporting evidence are scheduled to be forwarded to the Baku Court of Grave Crimes in the coming days; the statutory penalties under the charged article range up to 20 years’ imprisonment or life terms.

Both figures were detained last year in connection with the criminal proceedings surrounding former Head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev, where Karimli was also named as a witness in Mehdiyev's ongoing trial.