Islam Times - Azeri anti-government protesters rally in Baku

Islam Times - Thousands of anti-government protesters have taken to the streets in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, to call for democratic reforms and the release of political prisoners.

The demonstrators, who gathered on the outskirts of Baku, called on President Ilham Aliyev to step down, Reuters reported.

Carrying Azerbaijan’s national and opposition party flags, the protesters chanted, "Ilham - Go," “Freedom" and "Resignation."

The mass protest was held close to the venue of the upcoming Eurovision Song contest in May.

Some analysts say the protesters were using the occasion to draw the world's attention to what they call lack of democratic rights in the oil-rich country.

Opposition leaders say the protests will continue even after the Eurovision contest.

"The protests will continue, because they are not connected with any contests or festival,” said Isa Gambar, the leader of Musavat Opposition Party.

"The protest will be held before the Eurovision Song Contest and after the Eurovision contest, possibly during Eurovision Song contest as well,” Gambar added.

The Azeri protesters are furious about the gap between the rich and the poor, rampant corruption and an economy highly dependent on oil in the country of nine million.