Azerbaijani Opposition Rallies Against Government At Authorized Protest

Umer Jamshaid Published January 19, 2019 | 07:40 PM

Azerbaijani opposition rallied in the capital of Baku on Saturday to demand the release of political prisoners amid heavy police presence and internet blackout, a Sputnik correspondent said

BAKU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th January, 2019) Azerbaijani opposition rallied in the capital of Baku on Saturday to demand the release of political prisoners amid heavy police presence and internet blackout, a Sputnik correspondent said.

The two-hour demonstration at a stadium in the afternoon, organized by the National Council of Democratic Forces, was sanctioned by Azerbaijan's authorities.

Protesters called on the government to drop charges against opposition blogger Mehman Huseynov who was convicted of libel almost two years ago after reporting pressure by Baku police.

Demonstrators were admitted to the rally after police checked them for weapons. They complained that internet was out during the event and accused authorities of trying to stop the public from knowing the truth.