22 December 2007, 22:39
Political scientist Eldar Namazov detained in Azerbaijan
Today, on December 22, at midday the police have detained political scientist Eldar Namazov, head of the Forum "In the Name of Azerbaijan", and several other members of the Committee in Defence of the Freedom of Speech.
The incident took place in Bibi-Eibat village of the Sabail District, where the members of the Committee arrived for holding a meeting with local residents and discussing their social problems. Ritual oblations were made. E. Namazov himself has told about it to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
Let us note here that the rallies of this sort had been planned in advance, moreover the mayoralty had authorized a rally of the Committee in Defence of the Freedom of Speech at the local stadium.
After that, three cars full of policemen arrived to the village, they detained the members of the Committee and brought them to the local police station. There, the detainees were told that it was forbidden to make ritual oblations, since the Kurban Bayram was already over, while holding meetings with the population was an attempt to disturb the public order. After that, someone made a call to the station, and the detainees were released.
The Committee in Defence of the Freedom of Speech had wanted to hold on December 22 a protest action in the Ukraine Square of Baku with a demand to ensure the freedom of speech. However, the authorities refused to sanction it and suggested to hold the action in the stadium of Bibi-Eibat village.
Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent
