Azernews.Az

BAKU – Azerbaijan’s top prosecutor has accused the opposition of attempting to disrupt stability in the country by staging unauthorized protests.

"The radical opposition must know that Azerbaijan is a legal and secular state; all social and political processes are regulated by the law here, and if a given protest is not sanctioned, it will be decisively countered," Prosecutor General Zakir Garalov told reporters on Friday.

The opposition held an antigovernment rally in downtown Baku on April 2 that was dispersed by the police. During the rally, organized by the Public Chamber umbrella opposition group, 70 people were detained, according to official sources, while the opposition put the figure at more than 200.

Garalov said the April 2 protest was marred by violence and destruction of citizens’ property, and nine of its organizers and protesters faced criminal charges. The prosecutor said investigation is underway, and tough action will be taken against those disrupting public order.

"This might refer to the protest’s organizers as well. Ali Karimli [the leader of the opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front Party which is part of the Public Chamber] must respect the law and should not encourage youths to violations of the law, disobedience and violence. We are aware whose orders he is following," Garalov said, but he did not elaborate.