Prague Activists Protest Azerbaijan Abuses

In Prague, activists staged a demonstration to draw attention to human rights violations in Azerbaijan – where the European Games have begun. They held a mock boxing match in which a civil society activist was about to defeat a policeman – but then reinforcements arrived. The commentator said this was in breach of the Olympic spirit. Azerbaijan has been widely criticized for a harsh crackdown in the run up to the games. Dozens of dissidents and journalists are being held in Azerbaijani jails, including RFE/RL contributor Khadija Ismayilova.