Azernews.Az

BAKU – Police dispersed an antigovernment rally in downtown Baku on Sunday, another mass protest staged by the country’s main opposition parties in weeks.

Up to 200 people were detained during the unauthorized protest, said the Public Chamber umbrella opposition group, which organized the protest, but police officials put the figure at 65.

Baku’s Main Police Department said in a statement that 25 of those detained were released with a warning, while the cases of 40 others were sent to courts. Six of the protesters were ordered held in detention for five to 15 days, and 19 participants of the protest faced fines worth up to 100 manats ($125).

Three Swedish journalists who were filming the demonstration were detained as well. The foreign nationals, who did not have permission to work in Azerbaijan, have been deported from the country.

It is at least the third time since March 12 that authorities have foiled opposition plans to demonstrate unhappiness with the country's leadership.

The Public Chamber tried to obtain permission to hold the latest rally, but city officials offered only venues on the outskirts of the city. The opposition disagreed and decided to hold the protest in the city center instead.

The opposition held its previous rally on the Fountain Square at the heart of Baku on April 2. 70 people were detained during the unauthorized rally, according to official sources. 11 people have faced criminal charges over the protest, of whom all but one were detained for two months pending trial.