12:54, 23 August 2005

Public meetings dispersed in Azerbaijan

Public meetings and processions of the Azadlyg bloc in Zaqatala and Lankaran scheduled for 20 August were intercepted by the Azerbaijani police.

Neither action had been authorised by the district administrations, the People's Front of Azerbaijan party which is part of the bloc told Trend. The action in Lankaran scheduled for 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm was dispersed by police officers.

A clash occurred between the police and local oppositionists during the attempt to hold a public meeting and a procession. Fifteen to twenty action participants were delivered to the police station. A warning was given to them and they were next allowed to go.

The action in Zaqatala scheduled for 11.00 am did not take place either. Police prevented action participants from gathering where they had planned.

Torture used as method