What does the conflict between the police and the population mean during the protest action in the village of Seyudlu of the Gadabey district?

Baku21.06.23/Turan:  The recent conflict between the police and the population during a protest action in the village of Seyudlu in the Gadabey region of Azerbaijan sheds light on various fundamental problems. On June 20, villagers came out to rally against the seizure of their land by influential persons. It is reported that the protest was dispersed by the police, who used tear gas. According to a local resident named Suraya Aliyeva, about 10 local residents were injured during the scuffle, and six people were detained.

The demonstrations in Seudlu were prompted by concerns about the environmental and health effects of the discharge of acidic waters from a nearby gold mine into a pond located on pasture land. Residents claim that these actions violate environmental standards and pose risks to their well-being. When the villagers protested against the creation of another pond near their village, the police intervened, using force and tear gas. Alieva stated that among the victims was a woman who had visible injuries on her body and face. The victims received medical assistance at the scene.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that, despite repeated warnings and discussions, the villagers gathered in the specified area, deliberately ignored the legitimate demands of the police and injured several employees with stones and blunt objects. Measures were taken to remove participants of the illegal action from the territory. In response to a video showing a police officer using tear gas against a woman, a group of employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who were sent to Gadabey district, conducts an internal check. The incident will be given a legal assessment based on the results of the investigation.

Political scientist Samira Gasimli addressed the emotional and psychological impact of this event in the program "Difficult Question". She paid special attention to the statement made by one of the villagers during a conversation with the head of the Executive Power of the Gadabey district Orhan Mursalov. The villager expressed the prevailing mood among the villagers with the words: "Arrest, but don't fine!". He, like others, is unable to pay a fine of 1,500 manats. 

Gasimli interpreted this statement as reflecting the socio-economic and political situation in the country and the public perception of arrests and governance.

She noted that the outburst of anger in Seudlu is the culmination of years of resentment.

Gasimli drew attention to Mursalov's uncertain and nervous behavior. Although his role as the chief executive of the district was to resolve the conflict, understand the causes of the outrage and convey the government's message to the protesters, his behavior and rhetoric indicated that he was focused on appeasing people, not solving their problems.

Gasimli noticed a sense of insecurity, anxiety and even fear in Mursalov's behavior and voice. Mursalov's physical distance from the media by a line of police officers, along with his frequent assurances of state control, further reinforced this perception.