Opposition Condemns Crackdown on Rally

Baku / 12.02.20 / Turan: The brutal crackdown on the February 11 protest rally against election fraud caused sharp criticism in the country's political circles.

The Popular Party leader Panah Huseyn expressed support for the protesters. “Long live the struggle and the champions of freedom. Azerbaijan will certainly become democratic and free,” he wrote on his facebook page.

PFPA leader Ali Karimli accused the authorities of intolerance towards the opinion of citizens. “Ilham Aliyev at a meeting with foreigners said that if the people are dissatisfied, then they would raise their voices. He said that if young people take to the streets, he will listen to them. However, that night he did not show warmth even to the protest of candidates for deputies. The immunity of the candidates was even ignored,” Karimli wrote on his Facebook page.

“The authorities, who failed to compete in the elections, violently dispersed the peaceful action. Our struggle for freedom will end in victory. Glory to our dedicated youth,” Arif Hajili, the Musavat Party leader, wrote on Facebook.

Anar Mammadli, the head of the Center for Monitoring Elections and Learning for Democracy, regarded the rally by the CEC as one of the manifestations of public protest against election fraud.

This is another blow to the legitimacy of the new (old) parliament. This composition is not able to adequately respond to socio-economic problems. The parliament will not have authority not only in the country, but also abroad,” Mammadli believes.  —06В--