Six Azeris jailed over April protest
BAKU – Six Azerbaijani opposition activists detained during the April 2 antigovernment rally that was dispersed by police were handed down jail terms of up to three years at a Baku court on Thursday.
A member of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party was sentenced to three years in prison, while an independent activist – to two and a half years’ imprisonment, an adviser to the APFP leader and a Musavat party member – to two years, and two other APFP representatives – to one and a half years.
Hundreds of opposition activists joined the rally in central Baku, organized by the Public Chamber umbrella opposition group, to demand democratic reform, freedom of speech and a re-run of the 2010 parliamentary elections.
A total of 14 people were arrested over the protest, during which protesters clashed with riot police. APFP deputy chairman Fuad Gahramanly was confined to house arrest.
The trials of the other eight protesters are still underway. They face charges of "organizing actions resulting in the violation of public order and resisting and using force against government officials."
The defendants reject the charges against them as allegedly politically motivated.
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