Policemen detain two opposition activists at rally in Baku

Two participants of the rally organized in Baku, who were chanting slogans, have been detained today by policemen.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that a rally, coordinated with the authorities, with a demand to compensate inflation losses, release political prisoners and punish those guilty of the fire on May 19, was held today in Baku at a stadium in the Yasamal District. The event was held by the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) under the slogan: "Let's save ourselves!"

After the rally, two men who were chanting "Allah Akbar!" were detained; so far, their names are unknown, said Fuad Gakhramanly, a member of the organizing committee of the rally and a deputy chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA).

"We have no versions. After the rally on April 5, one person, a believer, according to witnesses, was also detained. But he was soon released. However, on following days, three of our activists were sentenced, on trumped-up charges, to 20-30-day administrative arrests," Gakhramanly told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"In spite of all kinds of obstacles erected by the authorities, thousands of people came out to voice their protest against the anti-people policies of the regime," said Fuad Gakhramanly.

According to the Chief Police Department of Baku, the rally was attended by 400 people; and "no gross violation of public order were fixed."

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.