Kerimli received the Magnitsky Prize amid criminal prosecution.

The leader of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, Ali Kerimli, has been awarded the Magnitsky Prize. The human rights organization called for international monitoring of the trial against him, expressing concern over the closed nature of the proceedings and the conditions of Kerimli's detention.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", in November 2025, employees of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan detained the leader of the APFP, Ali Kerimli, and his advisor, Mamed Ibrahim. Both opposition figures were arrested and charged under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan (actions aimed at the violent seizure of power or the violent change of the constitutional order of the state). They rejected the charges, and Kerimli called his criminal case political persecution. A preparatory hearing in the case of Kerimli and Ibrahim took place on November 3 at the Baku Serious Crimes Court. The hearing was closed, and supporters of the accused were not only barred from the courtroom but also prevented from gathering outside the courthouse.

The leader of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), Ali Kerimli, has been awarded the 2026 Magnitsky Prize in the category of "Outstanding Representative of the Political Opposition." In an official statement from the award organizers, it is noted that Kerimli "has remained a symbol of resilience for decades, refusing to compromise with the authoritarian regime despite the constant threat to his personal freedom and safety."

It is also stated that Kerimli "leads a genuine pro-democracy movement in Azerbaijan amid the complete elimination of civil liberties in the country."

"In November 2025, Kerimli was arrested by security officials during a large-scale campaign against dissent. He was charged with attempting to violently change the constitutional order. Kerimli, his party, and international observers reject these charges, calling them fabricated and politically motivated. As of August 2026, his detention as a preventive measure has been extended until November 2026. Ali Kerimli has been subjected to cruel treatment in detention, and his health condition is rapidly deteriorating. The European Parliament and international human rights organizations recognize him as a political prisoner and continue to demand his immediate release," the award organizers note.

Meanwhile, the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, based in Canada, called for international monitoring of the trial against Ali Kerimli.

The human rights organization expressed concern that the proceedings began in a closed format, without access for journalists, relatives, supporters, and other representatives of the public.

The authors of the statement believe that conducting the trial in a closed format raises doubts about its fairness and transparency. They also point to the increasing political repression in Azerbaijan and the persecution of opposition figures.

The Centre expressed particular concern regarding the conditions of Kerimli's detention. According to human rights defenders, the treatment of the opposition politician should be under public control, especially considering concerns for his health and life.

The Centre called for international monitoring of the process, which is scheduled to continue on November 13. According to the organization, independent oversight is necessary to ensure the impartiality of the court, protect fundamental human rights, and comply with international legal standards.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", the Magnitsky Prize in 2024 was awarded to the daughter of Azerbaijani politician and scholar Gubad Ibadoglu, Zhale Bayramova. She received the award in the category "Outstanding Young Human Rights Activist" "in recognition of her incredible work in drawing attention to her father's case, Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu, and campaigning for his release."