16 Feb 2020 | 08:06 PM UTC
Azerbaijan: Dozens detained ahead of opposition protest in Baku February 16
More than 100 activists detained ahead of unauthorized opposition protest in Baku on February 16; additional demonstrations possible in the coming days
Event
Police detained more than 100 activists on Sunday, February 16, ahead of an unauthorized protest scheduled to take place outside the Central Election Commission (CEC) in Baku. Protesters were due to gather outside the CEC to denounce the results of last week's national election amid allegations of procedural violations. Many of the activists were arrested at their homes prior to the demonstration, while riot police reportedly rounded up others outside the CEC.
Further protests are possible in Baku and across Azerbaijan over the near term. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of any demonstration.
Advice
Individuals in Baku are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to business and transportation around protest sites.
