12/08/2010 15:16
Azerbaijan: police arrest protesters from flood affected villages
More than a hundred residents of villages of Sabirabad region of Azerbaijan tried to organise a rally protesting the wrong counting of compensations which is to be provided by country’s authorities in connection of damages that hurt the region after River Kura had burst its banks.
The protesters tried to close the road connecting Sabirabad and Shirvan regions, Azerbaijani Bakililar agency reported. The rally started at nearly 10 am Thursday, when more than a hundred residents from villages of Uladjaly, Mursalli and Shikhlar attempted to close the road. As a result, clashes occurred between protesters and regional policemen and officers of the Rapid Reaction Regiment who rushed to the place with an aim to disperse demonstrators.
Some 16 people were arrested and are being interrogated at the moment. This information came from protesters. Policemen confirmed the information. Reportedly, the rally is still underway.