Criminal Proceedings Started In Connection with Protest Action of Believers

In connection with the unauthorized protest of believers on Friday in front of the Ministry of Education that grew into the demonstrators' clash with police, the Baku City Prosecutor's Office opened a criminal case.

According to a joint statement by the Baku Prosecutor's Office and the Metropolitan Police, "about 200 radical believers tried to hold an unsanctioned protest in front of the Ministry of Education."

"Despite warnings to cease actions aimed at disturbing the peace, members of the illegal rally continued the illegal actions," said the statement.

The participants in the illegal action, refusing to obey to the "legitimate demands of the police, had resisted them, using prefab wooden sticks and batons with nails nailed to them."

As a result of the hostile action, accompanied by the destruction of other people's property traffic was disrupted for 40 minutes, and several cars were damaged, further said the press release.

20 police officers were injured in various degrees.

However, as a result of decisive actions by  police, the illegal activities were stopped and 65 people were detained. The Baku City Prosecutor's Office opened a criminal case under article 315.2 (resistance or use of force against a government official) and 233 (organization of actions aimed at disturbing public order, or participate in these actions) of the Criminal Code.

For a full and comprehensive investigation an investigative team from the prosecutors and the police has been set up.

The urgent investigation and search operations are continued.

Recall that the protest was held to demand the abolition of the ban on wearing headscarves in schools for pupils. -06D -