The statement, which was signed by more than 50 activists, journalists, human rights defenders and organizations, states that the problems of the residents were not heard by the relevant institutions, whereas instead, units of the Internal Troops were brought to the area and clashed with the residents.
The signatories of the statement noted that it is the constitutional right of citizens to protest about the environment and local needs, and trampling on this right aims to stifle initiatives related to public participation in Azerbaijan and is in violation of numerous fundamental rights and freedoms
In the end, the signatories called on the relevant authorities to listen to the concerns of the local residents and hold the the police officers of Ministry of Internal Affairs accountable who used disproportionate force and means against the protesters.
Read the full text of the statement here
