Baku authorities refuse to sanction action in support of Ukraine

The Baku Mayoralty has forbidden the Azerbaijan Democracy and Prosperity Party (ADPP) to hold a picket near the Russian Embassy with a demand to stop the special operation in Ukraine. The city authorities have explained the refusal by restrictions on holding mass events during the pandemic.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that after the start of the special operation by Russian troops in Ukraine, Baku periodically hosts actions. Thus, on February 24, two activists demanded to break the alliance treaty with Russia. On March 1, the action was held by activists of the above ADPP.

"The city Mayoralty treats it inappropriate to hold a picket for epidemiological reasons. These arguments are untenable, since many restrictions on mass events introduced due to the pandemic have long been lifted ... And in general, what kind of pandemic can we talk about if the daily increase in coronavirus patients is 20-30 people," Gubad Ibadoglu, the head of the ADPP, has stated, noting that the Mayoralty's refusal to sanction the action was illegal.

"According to the Constitution, peaceful assemblies are held only with the notification of the authorities; no permit or sanction is required," the ADPP leader has added.