Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 16 / Trend K.Zarbaliyeva /
The Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO) made an official statement on the fact of the street demonstration, organized by a group of religious people.
"CMO has always been against illegal actions. We live in a state of law. In this regard each issue should be resolved in a civilized way within the law," the press service of the CMO reported.
After praying in the Haji Sultanali mosque (at the intersection of M. Mukhtarov and S.Askerov streets in Yasamal district of Baku) a group of 60-70 people went out with posters of religious content and a wreath in their hands Feb. 13 at 15:00. They tried to hold a rally without appealing to the executive power for permission.
Disobeying the legal demands of police, protesters obstructed the normal traffic and public order in the N. Narimanov street, throwing stones and beating the policemen of the Yasamal and Sabail district department with wooden parts of the posters, which were in their hands. These people applied force against police, jeopardizing their lives and health.
If believers planned to hold a rally with good intentions, they should warn the relevant authorities beforehand and inform them about that, the CMO said.
"Any illegal actions can serve neither the development of our religion nor benefit for the believers. Security of law and order is the responsibility of the police, however, even if it is illegal action, brutality against civilians during its prevention is unacceptable," the statement said.
According to the joint statement of the Baku Prosecutor's Office and the Central Police Office, the law-enforcement agencies detained four people suspected of attempts to conduct an unsanctioned demonstration and to use force against police, in accordance with Article 221.3 (hooliganism with a weapon or other objects as a weapon) and 315.2 (resistance or usage of force against civil servants) of the Criminal Code.
Seven people were arrested in accordance with Article 310 (willful disobedience to a police officer) of the Administrative Code, five people were fined in an administrative order, and two were issued a warning.
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