Federal Lezghi
National and Cultural Autonomy

Mob Attacks Journalists During Azeri Opposition Rally

BAKU -- A group of journalists from independent and opposition media outlets has been attacked by a pro-government mob during an opposition rally in the central Azerbaijani town of Sabirabad.

 

RFE/RL Azerbaijani Service correspondent Tural Mustafayev was among the journalists, said the October 4 incident took place at an election rally for Azerbaijan's united opposition presidential candidate, Camil Hasanli.

 

Mustafayev said some reporters were beaten, while others had their equipment damaged.

 

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The reporter said police officers stood by idly at the scene and made no effort to disperse the attackers.

 

Some 500 opposition supporters took part in the rally.

 

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

 

He is seeking to unseat incumbent President Ilham Aliyev in the October 9 election.

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Radio Liberty

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