Azernews.Az

BAKU – An Azerbaijani opposition leader was summoned to the police on Thursday to give his second testimony on a recent unauthorized rally during which dozens were detained in clashes with riot police.

Azerbaijan Popular Front Party’s (APFP) leader Ali Karimli told Radio Liberty following the five-hour testimony at the police department of Baku that he was asked questions about the April 2 antigovernment protest and the Public Chamber, the umbrella opposition group comprising APFP, which organized it.

"The questions mainly concerned organization of the rally, calls to join the rally, the work and management of the Public Chamber," he said.

Karimli said he "was treated normally" during the questioning.

"In principle, I have no complaints about the attitude toward me. But overall, I believe that the investigation is unlawful. We held a peaceful protest, but they filed criminal charges."

Karimli claimed that the criminal case filed over the rally was politically motivated.

"This is a political case more than a legal one, and it aims to hamper the opposition and the Public Chamber."

Another opposition leader, Musavat party chairman Isa Gambar, will testify to the police on Friday.

70 people were detained during the April 2 rally, according to official sources, while the opposition put the figure at over 200. 14 people were ordered held in detention for two months pending trial.

The Public Chamber, which was established following the November 2010 parliamentary elections, has lately held several unsanctioned protests.