22:00, 21 January 2009

Azerbaijani police detain protesters against ban on foreign radio stations

Today in Baku, the police have detained a group of activists from the youth organization of the oppositional "Musavat" Party, who tried to hold an unauthorized protest action in front of the office of the National Television and Radio Board (NTRB) of Azerbaijan. The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports that the action was held in protest against suspension from January 1, 2009, of broadcasting in local frequencies of radio stations Liberty, Voice of America and BBC.

However, young people were stopped by the police before they could approach the NTRB building. Posters were taken away from them. During detention, young members of the "Musavat" were crying out: "Freedom of speech!" and "Freedom to press!"

In total, 9 persons were detained; they were put into cars and brought to the 39th police station of the Sabail District.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed at the press service of the "Musavat" Party that all the detainees were released two hours later after a warning.

It is not the first action of "Musavat" young activists in protest against termination of broadcasting of foreign radio stations.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent