Some 10,000 protesters have gathered outside the administration building of the Azeri town of Guba, 170 km away from Baku, to rally against the region’s head, Rauf Khabibov.

Mass demonstrations flared up after Khabibov accused Guba inhabitants of having “betrayed the region and themselves”.

Government troops have been moved into the region after protesters allegedly seized the administrative block.

Police fired tear gas at demonstrators, only causing further outrage. Protesters responded by throwing stones at the riot police and demanding that the head of administration step down. Some demonstrators also set Khabibov’s house on fire.

Several people have been arrested, Gazeta.ru reported.