OSCE Office trains Azerbaijani police in dealing with public assemblies

BAKU, 20 October 2006 - A two-week training programme on police tactics during rallies, public demonstrations or major events, organized by the OSCE Office in Baku, ended in Azerbaijan today.

"Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right of any citizen in a democratic society," said Ambassador Maurizio Pavesi, Head of the OSCE Office. "This right applies to everyone and those charged with defending it are defending their own rights."

The event was attended by 150 members of the Interior Ministry's Internal Troops and 170 representatives of the Baku City Police Department, who participated for the first time in such a training course.

During the programme, police officers from a selection of Baku City police stations were trained in best practice command and control techniques, and learnt practical skills for public event management that are in line with the requirements of the law and the public's right of assembly.

"These two weeks of intensive training demonstrates the exceptional level of co-operation between the OSCE Office and Azerbaijan's Interior Ministry," added Ambassador Pavesi.

The training programme was financed by Germany and conducted by German police officers.