Azernews.Az

Outside forces may be behind the violent protest organized in front of the Education Ministry in Baku by a group of individuals who call themselves religious activists, deputy chairman of the ruling Yeni (New) Azerbaijan party Ali Ahmadov said, commenting on the attempt by over 100 radical believers to hold an unsanctioned rally on October 5.

The protesters demanded scrapping a ban on headscarves, or hijabs, in schools. Despite the warnings of the police to stop disturbing public order, the protesters continued their illegal actions. Azerbaijani police say 65 demonstrators were detained and 20 police officers injured during the protest. The city prosecutor's office filed a criminal case.

"Radical believers show by these actions that they are going to cause tension and disrupt public order, rather than to protest," Ahmadov said. "A definite line was observed both in the nature of the protest and on other points. I believe that every citizen of Azerbaijan and entities engaged in socio-political activities should consider this subtle point. We shouldn't forget the presence of outside groups interested in casting a shadow on the government, state and democracy in Azerbaijan."

Ahmadov condemned the protest, saying, "First of all, it was illegal, and secondly, the protesters were armed. They attacked the police, and as a result, many employees [of law enforcement bodies] were injured."

Ahmadov added that one of the reasons for such a protest aimed at disturbing public order could be an important international event, the International Humanitarian Forum, which was held in Baku last week.