Baku, 27 April 2002 (RFE/RL) -- Hundreds of riot and plainclothes police today prevented Azerbaijan's United Opposition Movement from staging a demonstration in Baku. Opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights activists were among dozens of people detained at the demonstration intended to call for the resignation of President Heidar Aliev.
Arif Gadzhiev, secretary of Azerbaijan's main opposition Musavat Party, was among those arrested.
Large gatherings must be authorized in Azerbaijan, and the city of Baku had earlier said the demonstration would not be permitted to take place there.
Arif Gadzhiev, secretary of Azerbaijan's main opposition Musavat Party, was among those arrested.
Large gatherings must be authorized in Azerbaijan, and the city of Baku had earlier said the demonstration would not be permitted to take place there.