April 1, 2011 - 20:49 AMT
Azeri authorities disallow opposition to hold protest rallies

The opposition parties will not be permitted to hold unsanctioned rally in the center of Baku,” deputy chief of Baku Main Police Office, Major-General Yashar Aliyev stated.

Yashar Aliyev said that heads of some opposition parties, organizers of the rally were summoned to Baku Main Police Office and warned about it. The Major-General added that unsanctioned rally is a violation of law.

“Baku Mayor’s Office has allotted venue for the opposition’s rally. We warned them and told not to violate the law. They can hold rally in the venue allotted for them. If they attempt to violate public order in the central streets of Baku, we will prevent it,” he said.

Yashar Aliyev said the opposition parties were warned about possible confrontation. “We have taken measures, they will not be allowed to enter that territory. The organizers and participants of the rally will be responsible for any possible confrontation,” he said.

Baku Mayor’s office did not sanction the Public Chamber’s rally outside Narimanov cinema. They offered to hold the rally in Bibiheybet settlement. The Public Chamber passed a decision to hold the rally in the Fountain Square at 2:00 p.m. on April 2, APA reported.