PFPA claims theft of accounts in Ali Kerimli's messengers

Unidentified persons have gained access to the accounts in the WhatsApp and Telegram messengers belonging to Ali Kerimli, the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), the party has stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that by April 17, seven PFPA activists had been arrested in Azerbaijan. The party reported that Ali Kerimli was deprived of access to the Internet and mobile communication. In PFPA's opinion, an information blockade has been applied to Mr Kerimli. He and his family members cannot leave their home.

Besides, hackers' attacks continue on the accounts of PFPA activists on the Facebook. Party members are confident that the country's authorities are behind this.

According to Seimur Khazi, the PFPA Deputy Chairman, a relative-neighbour helps the Kerimli family with foodstuffs and essentials.

"The main authorities' goal is to paralyze Ali Kerimli's work of and to deprive him of an opportunity to address people through the media and social platforms on the Internet," Mr Khazi has stated.

The infrastructure of mobile operators can legally be used by special services, Alesker Mamedli, a media rights expert, asserts.

Teimur Kerimov, a journalist, has confirmed that he was attacked after making an interview with Kerimli.