Re: Azerbaijan - Internal Political Affairs
Cars, Buildings Burn In Azerbaijani Unrest
January 24, 2013
Thousands of people have protested in a town in Azerbaijan, setting fire to cars and buildings, including a hotel and the residence of a local governor.
RFE/RL correspondents say authorities have dispatched additional police following the unrest in the evening on January 23 in Ismayilli region, some 150 kilometers northwest of the capital Baku.
Protesters were demanding the resignation of the local governor, Nizami Alekberov.
The unrest reportedly was triggered by a car accident involving the owner of the "Chirag" hotel.
RFE/RL correspondents say authorities have ignored repeated calls by local residents to shut down the hotel, the site of an alleged brothel.
The hotel and governor's residence were seriously damaged by fire.
Protesters also targeted luxury cars.
There were no reports of arrests or injuries.
It's the second major protest in a week in Azerbaijan.
On January 19, police clashed with shopkeepers blocking a highway to protest rent increases at the country's largest shopping center.
Cars, Buildings Burn In Azerbaijani Unrest
January 24, 2013
Thousands of people have protested in a town in Azerbaijan, setting fire to cars and buildings, including a hotel and the residence of a local governor.
RFE/RL correspondents say authorities have dispatched additional police following the unrest in the evening on January 23 in Ismayilli region, some 150 kilometers northwest of the capital Baku.
Protesters were demanding the resignation of the local governor, Nizami Alekberov.
The unrest reportedly was triggered by a car accident involving the owner of the "Chirag" hotel.
RFE/RL correspondents say authorities have ignored repeated calls by local residents to shut down the hotel, the site of an alleged brothel.
The hotel and governor's residence were seriously damaged by fire.
Protesters also targeted luxury cars.
There were no reports of arrests or injuries.
It's the second major protest in a week in Azerbaijan.
On January 19, police clashed with shopkeepers blocking a highway to protest rent increases at the country's largest shopping center.
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