On December 11, a protest was held in Baku demanding Saleh Rustamli’s freedom.

Police intervened in the protest and 10 people were detained.

Human rights activists Zaur Akbar and Zafar Ahmadov, who monitored the protest, were later released. The whereabouts of the other 8 people are currently unknown.

The press service of the Interior Ministry said that a group of 8-10 people tried to hold a meeting near the metro station "28 May" on December 11 at 15:00 in violation of the rules of special quarantine, as well as without the consent of the executive authorities.

"The attempt was prevented by police and those people were removed from the area. He was not detained,” the spokesman said.

Saleh Rustamli, a Russian citizen, was sentenced to 7 years and 3 months in prison in 2019 by the Baku Court of Grave Crimes. He was accused of engaging in illegal business in Russia and laundering dirty money by financing the PPFA.

Saleh Rustamli denied the accusations and said that he had sent only 6,000-7,000 manats (3,000-3,500 euros) to the party from Russia, where he worked legally, to buy food and provide legal assistance to detained members of the Popular Front Party.

US State Department spokesman said he was "very concerned" by reports of deteriorating conditions.

Earlier, on December 1, a rally was held in Baku's Fountain Square demanding the release of Saleh Rustamli, the former head of the Gadabay District Executive Power.

Among those detained are many activists, including former political prisoners Tofig Yagublu, Ilkin Rustamzade, Mete Turksoy, Nigar Hazi, and many others.

Interior Ministry spokesman Ehsan Zahidov said that those who tried to hold the rally had grossly violated the law.