Federal Lezghi
National and Cultural Autonomy

Opposition Presidential Candidate Holds Baku Rally

BAKU -- Supporters of Azerbaijan's united opposition presidential candidate, Camil Hasanli, have held a rally in the capital Baku.

 

Organizers said that up to 10,000 people attended the authorized event on September 28, which was Hasanli's second election rally.

 

Police said 1,500 people attended.

 

Hasanli, who is the main challenger to incumbent President Ilham Aliyev, called on his supporters to vote for him in the October 9 poll to "end the dictatorship of one family in Azerbaijan."

 

He accused Aliyev of corruption and the embezzlement of billions of dollars of public money.

 

Participants chanted, "Ilham, resign," and "Ilham, enough."

 

The peaceful rally ended without incident.

 

Hasanli's candidacy is backed by the National Council of Democratic Forces -- an umbrella organization comprising most of Azerbaijan's opposition parties and groupings.

 

Ilham Aliyev has held power since succeeding his father, Heydar, in 2003.

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Radio Liberty

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