BAKU -- A district court in the Azerbaijani capital on December 2 fined the chairman of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (AXCP), Ali Karimli, over accusations that he defamed a bitter rival in connection with his expulsion from the party five years ago.
Tempers flared outside the Nasimi District courthouse before Judge Babek Panahov handed down the fine of 1,500 manats ($882) against Karimli, who announced his intention to appeal the decision.
AXCP representatives said police detained multiple people after ordering Karimli supporters gathered outside to disperse and to move their vehicles before the court session began.
Karimli tweeted that "Using force, the police detained six activists of the [AXCP]."
RFE/RL efforts to learn details of the detentions from the Interior Ministry were unsuccessful.
The case has drawn criticism from domestic observers and international human rights organizations, further highlighting concerns about judicial independence in Azerbaijan.
The accusation stems from a complaint filed as a special indictment against Karimli.
Aydin Aliyev, a former AXCP member expelled five years ago but subsequently reinstated by court order, accused Karimli of slandering him in television appearances by alleging that Aliyev was collaborating with government authorities.
He has sought Karimli's prosecution under a defamation article of the Criminal Code.
Karimli denies the accusation, arguing that Aliyev’s actions were inconsistent with AXCP’s political agenda, thus justifying his expulsion.
He and his lawyer said the ruling -- after a monthslong delay -- appeared to lack legal reasoning.
"The Azerbaijani authorities dragged this case on for four months, despite knowing that neither the Azerbaijani public nor the international community took it seriously," Karimli said.
"Arresting a political opponent on such an absurd charge would have been indefensible, so they chose this measure instead."
President Aliyev has ruled the oil-rich South Caucasus state with an iron fist since 2003 after taking over from his father, Heydar, who was president for a decade.