01/04/2011 11:13
Repression of Azerbaijani activists intensifies ahead of protests
The Azerbaijan authorities must end their clampdown on freedom of expression, Amnesty International said Thursday after 11 more political activists were arrested ahead of Saturday's planned "Day of Wrath" protest.
Activists' recent attempts to hold protests inspired by popular uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa have been violently suppressed, with over 100 people detained and several beaten since 11 March.
"The Azerbaijani government's pre-emptive crackdown on those seeking reform has been wide-reaching and ruthless," said John Dalhuisen, Deputy Director for Amnesty International’s Europe and Central Asia Programme, according to BBC.