Baku demonstration demands war in Karabakh

A demonstration took place in Baku during which protestors demanded the “forceful liberation of Karabakh” by the authorities. The demonstration was organised by the Karabakh Liberation Organisation and was agreed upon by the authorities.

The demonstration took place at a stadium in Yasamal district where the local opposition usually holds protest rallies. Participants shouted “Begin the anti-terror operation in Karabakh!”, “Liberate Karabakh!”, “Return internally displaced persons to their homelands!”, “No to the double standards of international organizations!” and others. The head of the Karabakh Liberation Organisation, Akif Nagi, says that the aim of the meeting was to increase public activity in regards to the issue of the liberation of Karabakh.

“We must demonstrate the integral will of society and demand that the authorities take radical steps to liberate the territories,” Nagi said.

The former minister of internal affairs Isgandar Hamidov stated that the only way to liberate the occupied territories is through the use of military force.

Ruling party MP Siyavush Novruzov did not approve of the demonstration:

“While the president, parliament, government and other state structures are making efforts to resolve the conflict, holding a rally dedicated to the Karabakh issue is completely inappropriate. This group of people are trying to use the issue … to realise their political interests and ambitions, trying to win popularity for themselves.”

The main Police Department of Baku reported that 2,000 people participated in the demonstration. There were no violations of public order and the demonstration was held in a peaceful manner.