23:00, 12 March 2011

Dozens detained in opposition action in Azerbaijan

The opposition and the authorities present contradictory figures on the number of detained activists of the anti-government action. According to the MIA, 50 persons were detained; the organizers claim that there were more than 100 detainees.

As stated in the official message of the MIA, the unsanctioned action "was attended by 150 participants, who to make a march in central Baku in separate small groups."

Fifty persons were detained. Cases on 20 of them, "who intentionally disobeyed the police," were sent to the courts for further measures. 30 persons received warnings and were later released from the police. The investigation is underway, said the MIA report.

In his turn, Gyulyaga Aslanly, deputy chairman of the "Musavat", told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that in total up to 1000 persons took part in actions held in different parts of the city.

According to his story, 65 persons were taken to police departments. All in all, there were more than 100 detainees. Some of them were brought to other parts of the city and released there; so they could not get back and re-join the action in the centre.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent