17:25, 20 January 2004

Azerbaijan opposition plan meetings of protest

"Discharge people arrested during October 15 and 16 events!" - activists of the Musavat Party intend to hold a meeting under such a slogan in front of the Azerbaijan Prosecutor General's Office. They are going to protest against the court decisions to extend detention terms for oppositionists charged with the organization of mass riots on October 15 and 16. They failed to hold the meeting on January 17, as they had planned initially, because the Baku City Administration did not authorize it. In spite of this fact, the Musavat Party activists are optimistic. The deputy chair of the Musavat Party, Vurgun Eyub, says that if they are refused one more time, they will hold an action of protest jointly with other opposition parties. To note, activists of the Democratic Party also plan to arrange a picket in front of the Prosecutor General's Office on January 23. They have already addressed a letter to Baku chief executive official Gajibala Abutalybov.

Editors note: See also the articles "Press conference devoted to political prisoners at Baku Press Club", "Azerbaijan oppositionists to be held in custody for 3 more months".

Author: Vafa Faradjeva, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot