Action against law enforcers' violence in Baku results in detentions

In Baku, Azerbaijani activists have staged an action against the use of force during the special operation conducted in the Yeni Yasamal neighbourhood. Policemen detained four female protesters and released them after a "prophylactic conversation".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the residents of Baku detained on June 8 after protests against raids to reveal quarantine violators were arrested. One of them, Karim Suleimanov, claimed that he was beaten up after detention.

The opposition has treated the police's reaction to the spontaneous protest as too harsh and claimed that such actions only foster hatred towards the country's authorities.

About 10 female activists came to the building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Azerbaijan and stated that law enforcers had no right to break into apartments and detain residents with the use of force.

"On June 7, from their balconies, residents spoke out against the use of force against the man, who went out into the yard to dispose the garbage," said Narmin Shakhmarzade, a female protester.

On the following day, law enforcers conducted a special operation in this house, she said; she is sure that law enforcers had exceeded their powers.

"Under quarantine, law enforcers are endowed with special powers, and they abuse them," Namizad Safarov, the coordinator of the Committee against Repressions and Torture, believes.

Earlier, the Norwegian Foundation for Human Rights Houses and over 30 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) expressed their concern about the attacks of the Azerbaijani authorities on peaceful protests.