Baku 21° C
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The information reflected in the statement issued by about detention of dozens of people is untrue, spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry Leyla Abdullayeva told Report, as she was commenting on the EU statement.
“Most of those participating in the illegal rally were released after getting an official warning. Freedom of assembly has been ensured in Azerbaijan,” she said.
"The October 8 picket of the National Council which was held in the territory between the administrative buildings of the Baku City Executive Power and the Azerbaijan State Economic University with participation of 50 people was agreed with the Baku City Executive Power.
“Despite this, they actually attempted to hold a street procession in this area. According to the first paragraph of the third part of Article 9 of the Law of Azerbaijan Republic “On Freedom of Assembly”, rallies, demonstrations, street processions can be prohibited if they are held in a radius of 200 meters around buildings of relevant higher authorities. The appeal of the National Council on holding a rally on October 19 from 15:00 to 17:00 was considered by the Executive Power of Baku City.
"In line with paragraph 2 of the third part of Article 9 of the Law “On Freedom of Assembly”, holding rallies in protected metro areas is prohibited. Therefore, the Baku City Executive Power proposed to hold a rally at the indicated time at the Garadag sports and training base of the Neftchi Sports Club on 28 May Street in Lokbatan, Baku. Despite this, there was an attempt to hold an illegal rally in the center of the city. The illegal action was prevented by the police," the spokesperson said.
“The police treated the participants politely and no one sufferred,” she said.
"The EU would better turn its eye on the ongoing developments in Barcelona, use of rubber bullets by police against peaceful demonstrators, beating of media representatives and the excessive use of violence.
“Months of brutal treatment of demonstrators by police goes beyond all norms of human behavior. Eleven people died and thousands were injured. There are people who have lost their eyes and got injured. Unfortunately, double standards are applied in such cases as well. The polite behavior of police officers is undermined. The EU turns a blind eye to the events that occur right under its nose. It is unacceptable to speak with Azerbaijan in such a language,” she concluded.
