On 25 January, a shoot-out broke out between police officers and residents of Nardaran, a traditionally restive village located in the vicinity of Baku. Three people were killed and a number of civilians sustained injuries.
Local residents have blamed drunken police officers for triggering the shoot-out during a wedding ceremony. The residents have threatened to stage a protest rally on 3 February.
Nardaran has a reputation as a stronghold of traditional Islamic values. Authorities say the village is a hotbed of religious fundamentalism.
(Turan, APA, Ekho)
November 9 Baku Protests
A photo gallery of the Azerbaijan opposition protests in Baku on November 9, 2005.