U.S. Reacts To Azerbaijan's Targeting Of Opposition Leader Ali Karimli

The United States on Wednesday reacted to reports about Azerbaijan's targeting of the Chair of opposition Popular Front Party, Ali Karimli, as he is facing defamation charges, which he calls 'a falsification' by the authorities.

"We are deeply troubled by the continued crackdown on civil society and members of the political opposition," a State Department spokesperson told TURAN's Washington correspondent in response to an inquiry.

"Those exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, should not be targeted for doing so," the spokesperson concluded.

Mr. Karimli has long been under pressure from the authorities. On Tuesday, August 13, he appeared in a Baku court facing defamation charges, which could result in up to 6 months of arrest. Karimli believes he himself is a victim of defamation by the authorities.

On August 14, U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mark Libby, met with Karimli to hear about the criminal case filed against him, the Embassy said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Ambassador Libby reiterated U.S. support for democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms," reads the Embassy post.