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The police in Azerbaijan closed number of metro stations in Baku and blocked the area in the city center in front of the May 28 metro station and railway in connection with the opposition rallies organized by the National Council of Democratic Forces.

According to the report by Turan news agency, all shops were closed in the area of the square, booths and kiosks selling small items, newspapers, and drinks were removed. Large catering facilities and a shopping center were also closed. Hundreds of cars were removed from the parking lot on the square.

Police cars were located along the perimeter of the square; police officers in civilian clothes and other law enforcement officers patrol on the square itself, the source said.

Earlier, the opposition called on all citizens to join the rally in protest against government policies, corruption, and the problems of political prisoners. The authorities refused to authorize the rally in the city center, offering to hold it 20 km away on the outskirts of the capital.

The authorities warned of criminal liability for an unauthorized rally and carried out dozens of arrests of opposition activists.