23:53, 24 November 2006

12 oppositionists arrested in Azerbaijan

Today, by decision of the Sabail Court a group of activists of the Party of National Front of Azerbaijan (PNFA) was arrested for several days for participation in a non-sanctioned picket on November 23 in the vicinity of the president's administration premise. The press service of the PNFA has informed the correspondent of the "Caucasian Knot" about the fact.

A total of 55 persons were detained in the course of the action, most of them were released after being fined or warned. However, 12 persons were arrested for administrative offences for the term of 15 days, among them three women, who will be kept in custody for up to 5 days.

We note that the oppositionists tried to hold their picket in front of the president's palace in protest against pressure on the freedom of speech in Azerbaijan. In particular, they demanded from the authorities to stop their attempts to move the oppositional newspaper "Azadlyg" out of the building now at its disposal.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent