April 17, 2011 - 16:29 AMT
Azerbaijani authorities try to prevent opposition rally in Baku

Baku's police have established control over central streets, parks and squares of the Azerbaijani capital.

Baku's police have established control over central streets, parks and squares of the Azerbaijani capital with respect to the opposition rally planned for April 17 to demand democratic reforms in the country.

The police also take measures to hamper participation of opposition activists in the rally in Baku and Sumgait.

The Azerbaijani opposition's demands remain unchanged - resignation of the government, dismissal of the parliament and organization of new elections, struggle against corruption, release of political prisoners, freedom of media.

On the eve of the rally, Amnesty International human rights organization urged the Azerbaijani authorities to prevent the police from cracking down on rally participants, Caucasian Knot reported.