Azeri police clash with Baku protesters, arrest 18

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - At least 18 people have been arrested in Baku after Azeri police broke up an opposition protest demanding freedom of assembly and the release of political prisoners.The incident occurred on Monday when scores of protesters gathered the capital’s center Baku to voice opposition against President Ilham Aliyev and call for the release of imprisoned dissidents.After brief scuffles with police, several protesters were pushed onto a bus. But the interior ministry later announced that all those who were arrested have been released.The protest took place near the Baku Crystal Hall, which will host the upcoming Eurovision song contest next week, one day after rehearsals for the annual competition kicked off in the Azeri capital.Campaigners have been trying to use the media spotlight for the glitzy pop event to draw attention to alleged civil rights abuses in the Central Asian nation. /129