A fatal road accident involving a State Road Police (DYP) vehicle in the Imishli region of Azerbaijan sparked widespread protests, numerous arrests, and heightened security measures across the district on January 18. 

The accident, which occurred at approximately 12:30 pm, has become a flashpoint for deeper public frustration over systemic issues, including government negligence, police impunity, and corruption.

The incident happened on Shadlinski Street when a DYP vehicle, reportedly travelling at high speed, collided with another car. The impact caused the police car to lose control, veer off the road, and strike four children walking home from school. Two of the children, 11-year-old Ayan Mammadova and another unnamed minor, died at the scene. Two others and the police vehicle’s driver sustained serious injuries and were hospitalised.

According to eyewitness accounts, the police vehicle was speeding when the crash occurred. The Prosecutor General’s Office has initiated a criminal case under Article 263.3 of the Criminal Code, which addresses traffic violations causing the negligent deaths of two or more individuals. Preliminary investigations are ongoing.

Taleh Mammadov, the father of Ayan, expressed his grief and demanded justice. “She was walking on the pavement, heading home after her school exam. Now she’s gone because of their recklessness. She dreamed of becoming a doctor, but now she’s in the ground. I want those responsible held accountable,” he said according to RFE/RL Azerbaijan service.

News of the tragedy quickly spread, triggering a wave of public anger. Hundreds of residents, particularly young people, gathered at the accident site. Their anger soon turned to action, with protesters overturning the police vehicle involved in the accident. The crowd then marched towards the Imishli District Police Department, chanting slogans such as “Resign!” Witnesses reported that the chants were not only directed at local authorities but also at President Ilham Aliyev, reflecting deeper dissatisfaction with the country’s leadership, according to Meydan TV.

Government response

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) responded by accusing the protesters of hooliganism and announced that a criminal investigation had been launched against the demonstrators. The ministry released images showing nine individuals in custody. However, local sources suggested the actual number of detainees exceeded 100, with many reportedly arrested at night from their homes. RFE/RL.  Reported that people who overturned the vehicle or argued with police were arrested, with some taken from their homes during the night.

Following the unrest, Imishli was placed under strict security measures. Armoured vehicles from the Internal Troops were deployed, and additional police units arrived from neighbouring districts. Internet and mobile connections in the region were reportedly cut off to prevent further mobilisation. Eyewitnesses described heavily armed police patrolling streets, public spaces, and administrative buildings.

The protests have drawn significant political criticism, particularly from opposition figures. Ali Karimli, leader of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AXCP), linked the unrest to widespread public discontent. He argued that the chants for “resignation” were aimed at Aliyev, whom he accused of fostering a culture of impunity and corruption. 

"The people of Imishli were not just protesting the deaths of schoolchildren; they were expressing anger at years of police brutality, corruption, and lawlessness. This was a warning to Ilham Aliyev himself," he said. "Repression will not silence the people forever. The government must address the root causes of public anger before it is too late," he added. Karimli called for immediate reforms, including the release of political prisoners, an end to police violence, and accountability for corrupt officials.

The unrest in Imishli also highlighted Azerbaijan’s restricted media environment. Independent journalists, many of whom are currently imprisoned, were unable to report on the protests. State-run media limited their coverage to official statements, while social media reports alleged that the government had cut internet access to suppress the spread of information. "There was no internet or mobile network. It was as if they wanted to block the whole world from seeing what was happening here," a local witness told Meydan TV.

Families demand justice

For families directly affected by the tragedy, the focus remains on justice for their loved ones. Ayan Mammadova’s father, Taleh, shared his heartbreak over the loss of his daughter. "She was just a child, walking on the pavement. This wasn’t just an accident; it was negligence," he told RFE/RL. Mammadov, along with other residents, demanded accountability not only for the accident but also for the broader issues of corruption and impunity that they say led to the tragedy. Observers have noted that the unrest in Imishli could serve as a warning of larger-scale protests if the government fails to address systemic issues. "One spark was enough to bring thousands together. Who can guarantee that the next spark won’t ignite an even bigger movement?" Karimli said.

Pro-government media and police, on the other hand, accused the driver of another car. "A teenager was behind the wheel of a car that caused a terrible accident in Imishli," pro-government APA Agency said. Ex-MP for Imishli, governing party New Azerbaijan Party member Chingiz Ganizade tried to assure the public that a criminal case had been opened and investigations were underway. Ganizade, however, appeared less troubled by the tragedy itself than by the locals' reactions. 

“What worries me most,” he said, “is how some residents responded. A group of individuals at the scene completely forgot about the injured and instead shouted political slogans.” 

He claimed that some protesters demanded freedom for jailed activist Taleh Bagirli (who is a religious activist and is currently in jail) and attacked a police car. According to him, the chaos was orchestrated by actors — both domestic and foreign — intent on undermining Azerbaijan’s political stability, which is a common tactic employed by governing party members. “Certain forces,” he said, “are working to disrupt the public order … They use social media to misrepresent the actions of law enforcement and sow distrust among the population,” he concluded, according to Demokrat.az

As of January 19, Imishli remains under a heightened security regime. Public spaces and administrative buildings are heavily guarded, while internet access has yet to be fully restored. Many of those detained remain in custody, with their families seeking answers from the authorities. The incident has left the residents of Imishli grieving and angry, with many questioning whether justice will be served for the children who lost their lives.