Oppositionists Detained on May 28 Refused to Give Explanations

Baku / 29.05.19 / Turan: "All 8 people detained during the event held by the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) on May 28 on the occasion of the 101 anniversary of the Azerbaijan People"s Republic in front of the monument to Mammad Emin Rasulzadeh in the Novkhani village, were released." This was stated by a member of the NCDF Coordinating Center, Tofik Yagublu.

According to him, all the detainees were taken to the Absheron District Police Department, where they were held for several hours and then released.

"However, the word "released" should not be understood that this is how it ended. A protocol was drawn up at the police, and there may be summons to the court today or tomorrow," he said.

According to Yagublu, although the police demanded that the detainees write a written explanation, they all refused to write it.

"However, the police may resort to administrative measures such as disobeying police requirements, or resisting the police, or other unfounded charges," said Tofig Yagublu.

The head of the Central Office of the Musavat Party, Gulaga Aslanly, also noted that four members of the Jalilabad branch of the Musavat Party detained on May 28 were released. According to him, no administrative penalties were applied to them.

As for the reasons for the detention, Tofig Yagublu regards this as a concern of the authorities.

"The authorities have chosen the way to keep the opposition aside from all significant dates, to limit its activities. This took place on November 17, 2018 on Revival Day, January 20, 2019 - the January tragedy, and February 26 - the Khojaly tragedy. In addition, this year, with the exception of January 19, the authorities have refused to allow the opposition to hold rallies. And this is an indication of their concern," he noted.

T. Yagublu claims that this concern was manifested even in the police department.

"This is not unreasonable. Previously, only the political opposition was active, while the society was not. The rally on January 1 of this year showed that activity is seeping into society itself, ad this process began to seriously disturb the authorities," Tofik Yagublu said.

May 28 is celebrated as Republic Day. Opposition forces are holding an event dedicated to this day, gathering in front of the monument to the founder of the APR Mammad Emin Rasulzadeh in the village of Novkhani. -0-