10 October 2005, 19:33
Dozens of victims after clashes in Baku
Several conflicts between the opposition and police officers occurred in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. Dozens of people were injured and about 100 were arrested as a result of the incident. There are quite a few journalists among the victims.
The total number of action participants did not exceed 400, according to the government of Azerbaijan, however, although Ali Kerimli, leader of the People's Front of Azerbaijan party, said at a briefing after the public meeting that the action had involved several thousand. Twenty-eight especially persistent disturbers are officially reported to have been detained, but oppositionists claim that around 100 were arrested. The government also says that 11 police officers sustained injuries
"The government suppressed today's action especially cruelly. Twenty-seven people sustained injuries. About 10 journalists suffered during the public meeting, the condition of two of them being especially grave and potentially fatal," Mr Kerimli remarked. He also said that the opposition would continue its actions until the government creates a democratic pre-election situation in the country.
Meanwhile, Fuad Akhundov, an official with the socio-political department for the president of Azerbaijan, in his comment on Mr Kerimli's statements expressed an opinion that the opposition was inclined to overestimate the scale and meaning of individual events and actions, according to NEWSru.com.
"Many social polls show that the popularity rating of the Azadlyg bloc amounts to 6-7%, while its leaders announce their intention to obtain more than 70% in the future parliament of the nation. This gives evidence that the opposition is prone to exaggerations," Mr Akhundov said.
