Thousands of demonstrators gathered at a sanctioned protest rally in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, in Mahsul stadium, on January 19 to demand that the government release Mehman Huseynov, a jailed anticorruption blogger, and other people they consider political prisoners. "Freedom!" "Resign!" "Freedom for Mehman Huseynov and political prisoners!" slogans were chanted. "This country is ours!" "Freedom for political prisoners!" "We will win!" and other slogans were raised. Participants also raised portraits of Mehman Huseynov and other political prisoners. The rally called for a march to larger squares, including Freedom Square. Internet connection was cut off in the area during the protests. After peaceful protest ended police arrested several people. Among them were also lawyer, political activist Orkhan Gasimov and blogger Huseyn Bakikhanov.
