18:00, 15 November 2011

The police in Baku dispersed a picket whose participants demanded release of political prisoners

The police in the capital of Azerbaijan suppressed an action of protest of youth oppositional activists demanding release of political prisoners, in particular, those arrested in connection with the meeting of April, 2, and ensuring freedom of assembly. The action was timed to a visit of European Union Special Representative for Foreign Policy Catherine Ashton to Baku.

Activists of youth organizations of "Musavat" party, "People's Front of Azerbaijan" party (PPFA) and a number of other parties and youth organizations, about 30 or 35 persons all in all, attempted to gather at about 14:00 near the Mayor's office of Baku.

As soon as the manifestants started their procession from "Icheri Sheher" metro station to the building of the Mayor's office they were stopped by reinforced flying squads and people wearing civilian attire. Force was used against the participants of the action. Many oppositionists were detained but part of them were released half an hour later.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent