Ilham Aliyev Justifies Police Violence in Soyudlu Village

The European Democratic Youth Network is concerned about reports of police violence against participants in peaceful protests in Azerbaijan's Soyudlu village against ecological disaster. According to the platform, it is also alarming that activists and journalists who expressed dissatisfaction regarding the incidents have been unjustly punished by the authorities. The European Democratic Youth Network has urged the official Baku to ensure fundamental rights for the citizens of Azerbaijan.

Earlier, residents of Soyudlu village had staged protests against the construction of another artificial lake intended for the disposal of chemical waste from a gold mine. During the demonstrations, clashes occurred between residents and police. Law enforcement used tear gas and brutally beat protesters with batons; there are reports of injuries and arrests.

Amid these events, Ilham Aliyev has blamed the country’s Ministry of Ecology, stating that due to the organization’s negligence, foreign investors have poisoned Azerbaijan's nature. He also declared that certain citizens have engaged in provocations and committed illegal actions. Aliyev further accused those citizens who threw stones at police during the protests. The President of Azerbaijan praised the actions of the police in the village, fully justifying their conduct.