Hundreds rally in Baku to protest against Azeri referendumSeptember 19, 2016 - 13:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Hundreds of supporters of an Azerbaijani opposition party rallied in the capital, demonstrating against a referendum later this month that seeks to strengthen President Ilham Aliyev’s authority, RFE/RL reports. Baku city police reported no major problems with the Sunday, September 18 rally by the Musavat party, which ended after about two hours. "Azerbaijan now finds itself in a crisis situation due to the incorrect policies of the Aliyev regime. We urgently need reforms in the country," Arif Gadzhili, a top party leader, told the crowd holding Azerbaijani flags and photographs of people believed to be political prisoners. "However, the Aliyev regime, which has concentrated power in one hand, is conducting policies that are aimed at putting yet more power in that hand," he added. The rally had been authorized by government officials. The September 26 referendum has generated sharp criticism from Azerbaijan's beleaguered opposition, as well as civil society activists, journalists, and others. Critics say the referendum will tighten Aliyev's grip on power, which he has held since 2003 after inheriting the presidency from his father, Heydar Aliyev, RFE’ RL says. The September 18 rally was a noticeable contrast to a demonstration held a day earlier in Baku, during which police and protesters clashed. The demonstrators were also protesting the upcoming referendum. Several journalists were also detained by police during the clashes, including at least two freelancers working for RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service. One RFE/RL journalist was taken from the scene of the protest in a bus with some 30 detainees. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |