Azerbaijan arrests 55 following protests over soaring consumer pricesJanuary 15, 2016 - 12:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijani prosecutors say 55 people have been detained following violent protests that were triggered by soaring consumer prices in the energy-rich Caspian Sea nation, the Associated Press reports. Protesters blocked streets and clashed with police during Wednesday, January 13's riots in Siyazan, a city near the Caspian Sea coast, about 100 kilometers (about 60 miles) north of the capital, Baku. The Prosecutor General's office said Thursday that several policemen were injured and two police vehicles damaged in the violence. It accused the opposition Popular Front and Musavat parties of provoking the riots. Musavat rejected the accusations, saying the protest was triggered by price hikes following a sharp devaluation of the national currency due to plummeting global oil prices. Azerbaijani media reported that protests against rising consumer prices have also been held in several other regions. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |