03 September 2003, 18:56
Oppositionists were dispersed by police
Azerbaijan police broke up an election meeting held by supporters of Isa Gambar in the township of Darnagyul near Baku On September 1. Gambar is the leader of the Musavat opposition party. Four activists from Gambar's campaigning staff were arrested. Musavat member Islam Guseinov was beaten by unknown persons while posting leaflets in support of Gambar's presidential candidacy.
Four activists from Gambar's campaigning staff - Mekhman Safarov, Gasan Alekperov, Galabek Agalarov and Seidakhmed Akhmedov - were arrested during the meeting with refugees from Nagorny Karabah temporary living in the township of Darnagyul. Having burst into the premises where the meeting was held, police said they would not allow any electioneering and took the detained activists to the 5th branch of the Binagadinsky regional police department.
Islam Guseinov had to be hospitalized as a result of beating. He has suffered a brain concussion, as it was told at the party's press-service.
Speaking to correspondent, presidential candidate Isa Gambar called these incidents a vivid example of Azerbaijan authorities' efforts to disrupt the election campaign of democratic forces.
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled for October 15. Twelve candidates, including the incumbent president Geydar Aliyev and his son Ilkham, are competing for this post.
Source: Prima News Agency
