Azernews.Az

BAKU – Two Azerbaijani opposition leaders were summoned to the police Friday and warned against their plan to hold a protest on Saturday at an unsanctioned venue in the center of the capital Baku.

Baku police chief Rafig Abbasov and the city’s prosecutor, Aziz Seyidov, suggested to the chairmen of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) and Musavat, Ali Karimli and Isa Gambar, that the rally be held at the venue sanctioned by the authorities, according to the Interior Ministry.

"It was explained to them that according to the Law on Freedom of Assembly, if an attempt is made to hold a rally in locations other than the venue designated by the Baku City Executive Authority, the police will thwart it," the ministry said.

The Public Chamber, which comprises the main Azerbaijani opposition parties, had asked the mayor’s office for permission to protest outside the Narimanov cinema. However, the authorities approved the Bibiheybat settlement on the outskirts of the capital as the venue. But the chamber rejected the offer and said it would stage a protest at the Fountain Square downtown Baku instead.

Musavat leader Gambar said he had told the law enforcement agencies that if the demand to sanction the rally offered by the opposition was not met by Saturday, they would protest at a venue they deems suitable.

APFP chairman Karimli also said the opposition was determined to go ahead with the protest.

"Our protest will be peaceful. In case of a provocation, however, we will not be responsible," he said.

Protesters plan to demand democratic reform, freedom of speech, a re-run of the 2010 parliamentary elections and settling Azerbaijan’s long-lasting conflict with Armenia over Nagorno Karabakh.