Opposition's square storm quelled

The United Opposition Movement's unsanctioned rally failed Sunday, as tough police cordons stymied the protesters, which were pouring into Baku's central Azadliq Square from different directions.

The rally attempt came in spite of the mayoral offer to protest in three venues, in the auto-motor racing stadium, in front of the Galaba cinema, or the Azerneftyag plant.

Some 100 violent protesters were arrested in clashes with police. 10 of them were sentenced to between 5 and 10 days in prison and the rest fined or warned before being released.