Despite Police Opposition, Feminists Hold Protest Rally (UPDATED)

Baku / 08.03.20 / Turan: Despite the opposition of the police and civilian participants in the rally under the slogan: “March 8 - the streets are free for us”, they marched along the central streets of Baku - from Fountain Square to the Sahil metro station.

Throughout the journey, the police blocked their path several times. However, persistently chanting the slogans “Do not tolerate violence, do not be silent before the violence!”, “Unite the women!”, “Do not be silent, rise!”, “Do not be afraid to go out into the streets, do not be free of your soul!”, they nevertheless continued their journey.

In the end, the police managed to dissect the protesters into two groups of about 10 people each. One of them was brought to the Sahil metro station. Another group announced a resolution near the station.

The action resolution put forward the requirements:

Ensure the rights of all individuals regardless of gender and sexual orientation to life and work in a safe environment;

Equal conditions for activity should be created for all, regardless of gender and sexual orientation;

Ensure access to education for all, regardless of gender and sexual orientation;
Fully comply with the obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Women in All Its Forms and take effective measures to eliminate the environment for discrimination;

To ensure accession of Azerbaijan to the Istanbul Convention.

During the action, some young people were detained who supported the march in defense of women's rights.

The police acted rudely against women, periodically pushing them, as well as creating obstacles to the work of journalists.

A journalist from Toplum TV was taken away and damaged a mobile phone, as well as a press card.

Participants in the rally believe that the action was a success.

“We made the march even longer than planned, voiced slogans, performed songs, and loudly declared our demands,” said one of the initiators of the action, Gulnara Mehdiyeva.   —0-

Action of Feminists in Center of Baku

Baku / 08.03.20 / Turan: The action under the slogan: “March 8 - the streets are free for us” has been organized by the Feminist Movement of Azerbaijan (FMA).

At about 3 pm, the protesters began a march from the McDonald's cafe towards Nizami Street, chanting the slogans “Do not tolerate cruelty, do not be silent before cruelty”, “Unite women, there is no silence, there is rebellion!”.

The police first blocked their path. However, the protesters were later allowed to walk further. However, there are detainees among the young men who supported the girls.

The march continues along Uzeyir Hajibeyov Street. –06D-