BAKU, Azerbaijan — An activist movement in Azerbaijan said its leader, who was jailed this week on charges of inciting mass unrest last month, intends to run in October's presidential election.
The REAL movement said Tuesday that it wants to secure Ilgar Mammadov's release so he can begin campaigning.
A court on Monday ordered Mammadov to be held for two months while authorities investigate his involvement in the riots in the town of Isamiyilli. That unrest appeared to have occurred spontaneously as a consequence of discontent with the local governor.
Authorities in this authoritarian, oil-rich Caspian Sea country are anxious about indications of restlessness in view of the election, which is expected to see incumbent Ilham Aliyev retain his post.
(AP)
