Rights defenders call on Azerbaijani authorities to release detainees

The actions of law enforcers in Baku on October 19 and 20 violated the right of Azerbaijani citizens to peaceful assembly. After two protests, 34 people were arrested' and the country's authorities should immediately release them, the Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) has stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on October 19, law enforcers dispersed in central Baku an unsanctioned protest action. Ali Kerimli, the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), and other opposition politicians were detained. On October 20, policemen used force to the protesters against violence in relation to women, and detained about 10 girls, but activists soon ensured their release.

The HRHF has condemned the actions of the Azerbaijani authorities against the oppositionists, who came out for peaceful protests on October 19 and 20. A statement calling to immediately release all the detainees was posted on October 24 on the website of the HRHF.

The dispersal of peaceful demonstrators is in sharp contradiction with the Azerbaijan's international commitments to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, the HRHF has noted.

The organization calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately release all those detained on October 19 and 20 in Baku, to investigate the use of force against activists and bring those responsible to justice, a statement translated by the "Caucasian Knot" says.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on October 24, 2019 at 09:08 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.