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U.S. Embassy issues statement over unauthorized rally in Baku

Politics Materials 5 April 2011 11:25 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan, Baku, April 5 / Trend S.Agayeva /

The U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan released a statement in connection with several opposition parties' attempt to hold an illegal rally in Baku.

The Embassy wishes to express its concerns about actions taken by the Azerbaijani government to prevent the peaceful assembly of opposition groups in central Baku on April 2, including the detention of opposition activists in the days before the planned protests, the statement reads.

The U.S. calls on the Azerbaijani government to respect the rights of all its citizens to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, which are guaranteed under the Azerbaijani Constitution and international human rights instruments, including OSCE commitments.

"We call for those detained in association with demonstrations to be afforded due process under the law, with open and transparent hearings and adequate access to legal counsel," the statement reads.

The Azerbaijani Interior Ministry reported that ignoring the warning organizers of the rally together with 350 people moving from different directions attempted to penetrate to the Fountain square on Saturday beginning from 14:00 pm. Despite numerous warnings by the police to stop the actions directed at violation of public order representatives of the radical opposition did not follow the demands and committed actions breaking the public security.

"Damage was incurred to individuals and companies, as well as 25 police vehicles, 17 shops, window of a bank and one cash vending machine were broken during the cruel and aggressive actions which showed open disrespect to public. Repeated calls of the police to cease the illegal acts were ignored and 13 policemen were wounded by use of force," the Interior Ministry said.

To prevent such actions violating the public order five people suspected of organizing and active participation in the actions were detained. The local police departments and courts took administrative measures with regard to 70 people.

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