Opposition to Gather 20,000 People for Sunday Rally

If the government does not create artificial barriers to the opposition rally on August 18, at least 20,000 people will come. This was said at the press conference by the head of the Rally Committee of the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) Asef Guliyev.

He noted that this meeting is of great importance from the point of view of propaganda of NCDF and preparing for elections.

Because the traditional electronic media (television and radio) are under the control of the authorities, the NCDF is unable to promote itself through these media.

Guliyev said the public was notified about the rally by the opposition media, social networks on the Internet and political activists calling for ordinary citizens.

In social networks, participation at the meeting has been confirmed by already 60,000 people.

August 16 at the Baku Mayor's office a meeting was held with the leadership of the Executive Power of the capital, police and organizers of the rally.

Law enforcement officials assured that they would ensure the safety of the protesters and would not create problems with transport for the demonstrators.

Organizers of the rally called on international organizations and embassies to monitor the rally and fix possible violations.

However, Guliyev said that in anticipation of the rally the police put pressure on the opposition, and detained 11 people, some of whom were arrested from 5 to 15 days.

"These facts indicate unwillingness of the authorities to hold democratic elections," said Guliyev.

Recall that the rally will take place on August 18 in the yard of a driving school in the 20th Section settlement of the Sabail district. The participants will require the holding of free elections, the release of political prisoners, and solution to social problems.

The action will take place from 17.00 to 20.00 p.m. -05C06-