Unsanctioned rally kept down

The United Opposition Movement, which includes 26 parties and public entities, failed to hold an unsanctioned rally on Azadlig Square in downtown Baku Saturday after police cordoned off all roads leading to the square.

The protesters couldn't break through when they endeavored so at 4 p.m., as the attempt ended in clashes with police and arrests. Human rights of journalists were also voilated during the action.

This is the united opposition’s second attempt to hold an unsanctioned rally over the last month. The previous rally was also noted for clashes with police and detention. Earlier, the Mayoral Office of Baku refused to sanction the rally by the United Opposition Movement (UOM) on Azadlig Square, explaining that the square is not intended for rallies and other massive undertakings, except for some important state events. Instead, the city authorities suggested three venues for the protest, provided that mottoes directed against the statehood, independence and state attributes of Azerbaijan are not displayed. In spite of official police warnings, the Musavat party said it was determined to push ahead with the rally. Most of the protesters, including leader of the PFPA reform wing Mirmahmud Fattayev, chairman of the Popular Party Panah Husseinov, deputy chairman of Musavat Arif Hajiyev, and his brother, journalist Mustafa Hajili were detained. The PFPA classics have unveiled a list of its 21 members, who were allegedly arrested. Over 100 people were reportedly detained during the protest action. M. Fattayev and P. Husseinov were released in the evening of the same day.