"Public Chamber": Dialogue or general protest

"Public Chamber", which unites leading opposition forces of Azerbaijan, called on the authorities to listen to the protesting voices in Ismaili region. The  statement released  on Thursday by Public Chamber  reads that the events  on 23- 24 January 24  is a protest of the people against the tyranny of local officials and oligarchs.

The tension should be removed through negotiations and dialogue with the local population. Instead, the government  is using force and special equipment to suppress the protests; and there are  mass arrests.

Public Chamber expresses its solidarity with  fair demands of the population and strongly condemns the violence against peaceful protesters. The authorities should immediately withdraw troops from the area and should release those arrested.

The authorities should make serious conclusions from these events and take concrete steps to address the problems of the population. The entire people of the country should express support for the just demands of the residents of Ismailli region.

If the repression does not stop, the Public Chamber will call on the population to a general protest,  the statement reads. -05D-