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Azerbaijani Capital Rocked By Weekend Of Protests

Two days of unauthorized protests in Baku were met with violence by the authorities.
The demonstrations mark an uptick in street activism in the tightly controlled Caucasian country.
A women’s rights protester is detained by police in Baku on October 20.
1 A women’s rights protester is detained by police in Baku on October 20.
Signs that included a hashtag meaning “let girls study” appeared at the October 20 rally. Moments later, many of the signs were snatched from the protesters by police. Women's rights in Azerbaijan have become a flash-point issue after a Baku man stabbed his wife to death in front of their children earlier this month. 
2 Signs that included a hashtag meaning “let girls study” appeared at the October 20 rally. Moments later, many of the signs were snatched from the protesters by police. Women's rights in Azerbaijan have become a flash-point issue after a Baku man stabbed his wife to death in front of their children earlier this month. 
Police close in on the small group of protesters. A statement by the march organizers said the rally was held for “the rights of women and young girls who have been deprived of education, married off, coerced, exploited, and committed suicide.” 
3 Police close in on the small group of protesters. A statement by the march organizers said the rally was held for “the rights of women and young girls who have been deprived of education, married off, coerced, exploited, and committed suicide.” 
The day before, on October 19, Baku police responded with violence and alleged torture of demonstrators at another unauthorized rally.
4 The day before, on October 19, Baku police responded with violence and alleged torture of demonstrators at another unauthorized rally.
Dozens of people were detained after protesters at the demonstration -- which included opposition leaders -- called for the release of political prisoners and a reduction in gas and electricity prices.
5 Dozens of people were detained after protesters at the demonstration -- which included opposition leaders -- called for the release of political prisoners and a reduction in gas and electricity prices.
Some of the protesters were punched in the head as they were hauled into buses by police in riot gear.
6 Some of the protesters were punched in the head as they were hauled into buses by police in riot gear.
Opposition figures, including Ali Keremli (center, in gray jacket) marching in Baku. Keremli was later arrested and, he said, tortured in custody.
7 Opposition figures, including Ali Keremli (center, in gray jacket) marching in Baku. Keremli was later arrested and, he said, tortured in custody.
Keremli moments before his arrest. He told RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani Service that once in custody he was set upon by six or seven policemen, some of whom filmed as he was beaten. Keremli says during the assault that a policeman “was suffocating me by pushing his boot into my throat.”
8 Keremli moments before his arrest. He told RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani Service that once in custody he was set upon by six or seven policemen, some of whom filmed as he was beaten. Keremli says during the assault that a policeman “was suffocating me by pushing his boot into my throat.”
Azerbaijani police carry Keremli into custody. The authorities shut down several subway stations near the October 19 protest.
9 Azerbaijani police carry Keremli into custody. The authorities shut down several subway stations near the October 19 protest.
Riot police in central Baku on October 19. Journalists say mobile Internet access was also disrupted in the center of the capital, which means live-streaming video of the violence was impossible.
10 Riot police in central Baku on October 19. Journalists say mobile Internet access was also disrupted in the center of the capital, which means live-streaming video of the violence was impossible.
A woman lying on the ground after collapsing amid violent scuffles during the October 19 demonstration.
11 A woman lying on the ground after collapsing amid violent scuffles during the October 19 demonstration.
Some 60 people were arrested during the weekend protests. The authorities say most have been released, while 18 remain in custody and will face charges.
12 Some 60 people were arrested during the weekend protests. The authorities say most have been released, while 18 remain in custody and will face charges.
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