Destructive opposition, which has become more radical recent times, tried to violate public and political stability established in the country and in its capital, particularly, to provoke civil opposition on the eve of the Presidential elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan and on the day of voting, called the population to mass disobedience, not paying attention to numerous warnings to put an end to illegal actions, went on their activity.

Realizing ahead that they will be defeated in free competition during the Presidential elections, destructive forces, completely convinced by the course of democratic and transparent elections, try again their destructive actions. Chairman of the Musavat party Isa Gambar and his supporters shows the highest activeness in these developments.

On October 15, 2003, after the completion of Presidential elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan, over 400 members and supporters of the Musavat party, having violated the demands of the Law On Meetings of the Republic of Azerbaijan, under illegal and instigating calls of the leader of that party, Presidential contender Isa Gambar gathered at the headquarters of that party on the eve of the elections and on the day of voting.

Whereas, the votes and ballots had not been calculated yet, they organized illegal mass actions, caused unrest and violated public law and order by intention explaining it by the fact as if the elections were illegal and held with forgery. Having ignored the warnings, the participants of the action attacked police officers by stones, glass and iron bars instead of obeying legal demands of police, who showed restraint and appealed to them by a call to disperse peacefully. Because of the incident 22 police officers were injured, 6 of them heavily and were sent to hospital.

A reporter of the TV channel Lider Sahil Kerimli, who was at 1:30 a.m. among mass media who covered these events, had been brutally beaten by the members of Musavat, got heavy injures. In the results of which, TV journalist Sahil Kerimli was brought to emergency hospital named after M. Nagiyev.

Due to legal actions taken by police to stop expansion of this dangerous public action, which could have turned into mass unrest, public order was reestablished, 15 active members of illegal actions were detained.

Prosecutor Office of Baku opened a criminal file on this fact and investigation is currently going on.

Main Police Department and Prosecutor office of Baku assure inhabitants of the capital that no chaos, violation of public and political stability will be allowed, which had been achieved at the expense of tense efforts, defending the rights of a major part of the society in the name of group and party interests, constitutional and democratic principles will be further protected and strengthened.

October 16, 2003