(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Inspired by revolutions in the Arab world -- hundreds of people gathered at Fountain Square in central Baku on Saturday to hold protests against the government of President Ilham Aliyev, a Press TV correspondent reported.
Protesters chanted slogans and called for the resignation of government officials. Security officers used force to disperse the crowd of demonstrators and detained dozens of protesters.
Earlier on Friday, police arrested over 40 young activists, who sought to organize a nationwide demonstration through social networks.
Opposition groups accuse the government of jailing opponents and stifling the media. They also believe that certain Western powers are guilty of remaining silent with regards to rights abuse in the oil-rich country.
The anti-religion agenda has also caused uproar in the predominantly Muslim nation. Baku also bans Azeris from openly observing their religious rites.
Protesters want to the government to respect religious values and prevent Azerbaijan from falling into a crisis.
Muslim communities in Azerbaijan blame the growing non-democratic secularism in the country on Tel Aviv and accuse Israel of being behind anti-Islamic programs.
Shia Muslims make up a vast majority of the population in Azerbaijan.
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