Several thousand supporters of the National Council of Democratic Forces rallied on August 18 at a site outside of the capital, Baku.
Azerbaijani Opposition Activists Rally In Support Of Ibragimbekov
Several thousand supporters of Azerbaijani opposition presidential candidate Rustam Ibragimbekov rallied outside the capital, Baku, on August 18.
At the sanctioned event, which took place some 10 kilometers from the city center, supporters chanted slogans such as "Do not steal our votes!" and "Do not test our patience!"
Rustam Ibragimbekov
According to organizers and activists, police detained at least 11 activists ahead of the rally.
Activists also allege that public transport to the rally site was restricted by authorities.
A presidential election is scheduled for October 9.
Ibragimbekov, a 74-year-old Oscar-winning screenwriter, was chosen last month as a presidential candidate by a coalition of Azerbaijan's main opposition groups -- the National Council of Democratic Forces -- to challenge incumbent President Ilham Aliyev.
But Ibragimbekov is still awaiting confirmation from Moscow that his Russian citizenship has been stripped in order to be allowed to run in the election.
Despite near-total government control over the media, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service has built a high-impact social-media presence in Azerbaijan and a reputation as a leading source of independent news.
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
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