Hundreds Rally Over Azeri Conscript's Death

Jan. 12, 2013

BAKU, Azerbaijan — Several hundred people rallied in the center of Azerbaijan's capital Saturday in protest of the death of a military conscript earlier this month.

Many rally participants held up photos of 18-year-old Jeyhun Gubadov, who authorities say died of heart failure. Gubadov's mother says he was the victim of physical mistreatment.

Police ordered demonstrators to disperse and later forcibly broke up the gathering. Officials say several people were detained, but they gave no specific number.

In apparent recognition of the public indignation provoked by the Gubadov case, Defense Ministry officials said that two people had been arrested and that several high-ranking military officials had been punished for the teen's death.

(AP)

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