AZERBAIJAN: NOVEMBER 23 PROTEST RESULTS IN 40-50

UNCLAS BAKU 001718 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KDEM CASC AJ SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN: NOVEMBER 23 PROTEST RESULTS IN 40-50 DETENTIONS REF: A. BAKU 1704 ¶B. BAKU 1572 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION. ¶1. (SBU) On November 23, the Popular Front Party (PFP) attempted to hold a protest in response to the GOAJ's recent crackdown on media freedom , the fifth in a string of protests PFP has held on this topic over the past month (see ref a). The November 23 protest, held in front of the downtown BakSoviet metro station, drew approximately 60-70 protesters. In stark contrast to the previous protests, Emboffs witnessed three detentions prior to the start of the protest. These individuals were known opposition members, and each was detained after walking alone out of the metro station, without having engaged in any protest action. ¶2. (SBU) Emboffs noted that police behavior during this protest was more aggressive than in the first four protests. Unlike the previous events, police officers used truncheons to disperse the peacefully-protesting crowd. Emboffs witnessed police beating one man with a truncheon and punching another man multiple times. Based on Emboffs' observations as well as press reports, we estimate that between 40 and 50 protesters were detained, including two journalists. About 15 women (many of whom were elderly) who had gathered in a small group and chanted "Azadliq" (freedom) before the main protest began also were detained. (NOTE: We have received no reports of women being detained in the previous four protests.) Protesters who were not detained were forced by police back into the metro station. ¶3. (SBU) The detainees were taken to three different police stations, where about ten were released. Those remaining were subsequently taken in buses to the Sabail District Court and questioned in small groups in closed-door sessions with two judges. After being questioned, many detainees were released, some with warnings or penalties. After heated discussion with party members and human rights activists about the need for open conduct of court proceedings, judges allowed observers into the courtroom. However, prior to the start of the trial of two remaining detainees, all observers, including Emboff, were escorted from the court room. Verdicts were not handed down in a transparent manner; in fact, many verdicts were announced to those sentenced while they remained in buses, by police officers rather than judges. Human rights activist Elchin Behbudov reported that many of those jailed were sentenced without having appeared before a judge. ¶4. (SBU) As of November 27, 15 of the 16 jailed protesters remained in police custody at the Black City detention facility in Baku, including head of the independent Yox youth movement, Ali Ismayilov (see ref b). Each of the jailed protesters was charged with causing public disorder through unauthorized protest action. The lawyer representing the group said that appeals have been filed with the appellate court and that he is awaiting a court hearing. We will continue to monitor the situation and will report further developments septel. DERSE