Baku hosts action in support of convicted "Pussy Riot" members

Today in Baku, activists of the human rights campaign "Sing for Democracy" made an attempt to hold a picket in front of the Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan, demanding to release the performers of the "Pussy Riot" company convicted to two years of imprisonment. The police squeezed the protesters away from the embassy. Two activists were detained.

The protesters tried, while holding photos of the convicted performers and posters reading "Freedom to Pussy Riot!" and "Freedom to music – freedom to Pussy Riot!" in three languages – Azerbaijani, Russian and English, to approach the embassy. However, the police blocked them about 50 meters away from the embassy. Then, the picketers began chanting slogans calling for the release of the "Pussy Riot" singers. This continued for several minutes; after which the police began squeezing the protesters into the neighbouring streets.

Rasul Djafarov, the coordinator of the campaign "Sing for Democracy" and one of its active members Emin Guseinov, Director of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), were detained and put into police cars.

Ten minutes later, Rasul Djafarov called the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent and said that they were brought to the 20^th Station of the Nasimi District Police Division. He sent an SMS-message that "a protocol on an unsanctioned street march was being drawn up."

In his turn, the on duty officer at the station confirmed the detention of human rights activists, saying that "our staff is studying the case."

The remaining protesters adopted a resolution, which expressed the opinion that the verdict against the "Pussy Riot" performers was passed "on the basis of a political order."