BAKU |
BAKU Oct 12 (Reuters) - Police beat and detained demonstrators after an opposition rally on Saturday in Baku, capital of the oil-rich ex-Soviet republic of Azerbaijan.
Several thousand people had gathered in a stadium on the outskirts of the city to protest against alleged electoral violations during a presidential election which returned President Ilham Aliyev to office.
Although the rally had been officially approved by authorities, a Reuters witness saw some participants beaten and arrested by police. One man was led away with his head covered in blood.
Interfax-Azerbaijan reported that around 10 people were arrested. Reuters was unable to confirm the number.
Aliyev was re-elected for a third five-year term on October 9, with 85 percent of the vote according to the official count, in an election that many said was a foregone conclusion.
Azerbaijan-Baku
Approximately four thousand people rallied in an anti-government protest in , Azerbaijan on Saturday. 

The protest took place on the outskirts of the city to oppose alleged electoral fraud during the most recent presidential election that returned President  to office for his third consecutive term. The protesters accused the government of voter intimidation and ballot stuffing, and were rallying in a demand for a new poll. 

Although the protest had been initially approved by authorities, police began to use violence against protesters when scuffles broke out amongst the group.

According to , some protesters were beaten and detained by police.  reported approximately 10 people were detained during the protest. 


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