Brussels, 11/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 11 March, the EU said it was “concerned” at the arrests of young opposition members in Azerbaijan ahead of an anti-government demonstration the same day, due to take place despite warnings from the government.
The European Union delegation in the capital, Baku, issued a press release expressing concern at the increasing number of arrests of young activists in Azerbaijan.
On Friday, the opposition used Facebook to call for a day of protest against the government, calling it a “great day for the Azerbaijan people” (following the terms used by the rebels in the Arab world). The government said that it will not tolerate any un-authorised demonstration and has already arrested five activists.
Amnesty International has called on Azerbaijan to end the repressive measures immediately and allow the activists to organise peaceful demonstrations.
The US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Matthew Bryza, said he would be closely monitoring the fate of the young militants arrested recently. Nearly 4,135 people announced on Facebook that they would be joining Friday's demonstration. (L.C./transl.fl)