Azerbaijani Opposition Party Leader Hospitalized After Beating

Azerbaijani opposition activist Sabir Veliyev was assaulted in Naxcivan.

BAKU -- The leader of the opposition Musavat Party branch in Azerbaijan's Naxcivan Autonomous Republic has been hospitalized after being attacked late on March 14.

Sabir Veliyev's brother told RFE/RL on March 15 that the 59-year-old politician was severely beaten by unknown attackers.

Dr. Elman Aliyev at the Babak district clinic told RFE/RL that Veliyev sustained bruises, a concussion, and other head injuries.

The deputy chief of the district police, Novruz Rustamov, declined to comment on the incident, saying he had no information on it.

The Musavat Party has officially issued a statement demanding a thorough investigation of the attack.

Veliyev was elected as the chief of the Musavat Party's branch in Naxcivan 20 days ago.