"Azerbaijan's embassy defended its security personnel in a statement, alleging protesters had violently attempted to enter the protected area and took offensive actions against the Presidential vehicle as Aliyev's motorcade approached the hotel. The Presidential Security Service had no choice but to immediately intervene, the statement said, arguing that any attempt to obstruct a protected vehicle carrying a head of state constitutes a serious security concern. The embassy also said its personnel always operate in strict coordination with the host country."
"Protesters told a sharply different story. Rahim Yagublu, 27, an Uber driver whose father is a politician imprisoned in Azerbaijan, told the Washington Post he was struck in the jaw and kicked in the stomach. Adil Amrakhly, 35, said he injured his leg fleeing from the guards and that at least four others were hurt."
Bodyguards traveling with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev punched, kicked and chased protesters outside the Waldorf Astoria on Pennsylvania Avenue during his official Washington visit. Demonstrators calling for the release of political prisoners were driven from the street near Aliyev's motorcade, with witnesses reporting multiple injuries. The Azerbaijani embassy said security personnel intervened after protesters allegedly attempted to enter the protected area and acted against the Presidential vehicle, calling obstruction of a protected vehicle a serious security concern. Protesters reported being assaulted while holding a peaceful protest. U.S. agencies referred questions among each other about the incident.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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