Public Prosecutor’s office: 10 policemen injured in a confrontation with tradesmen in Baku

Public Prosecutor’s office and the police in Baku are carrying out investigation in connection with a protest action of tradesmen of “Bina” shopping centre. As a result of the confrontation 10 policemen got bodily injuries and several police cars were damaged, law enforcement bodies report.

The reason for the action was escalation of rent in the shopping centre. About 250 to 300 protesters blocked the highway and demanded arrival of representatives of the President’s Administration. The action was dispersed with the use of tear gas.

A representative of Garadag district police department of Baku reported detention of 30 participants. According to lawyer Khalid Bagirov, there are no less than 80 detainees in the police department.

Representatives of the opposition criticize the policemen’s actions. Leader of National Front of Azerbaijan Ali Kerimli wrote on the Twitter that “the protesters should not have been dispersed but listened to ”. In Kerimli’s opinion, it is necessary to take measures against the management of the shopping centre who impose “unjustified taxes” on the tradesmen.

The “Caucasian Knot” has no comment from the management of “Bina” shopping centre which is one of the biggest wholesale and retail markets of Azerbaijan.