Police “restores order” in Baku suburb after deadly clashes

State television showed police removing black flags and religious slogans from squares and streets in Nardaran, a devout Shiite town 25 km north of Baku.

Azerbaijan’s tricolor state flag were hoisted in central Imam Huseyn square.

"The Azerbaijani state demonstrated its strength and resolve,” AzTV said.

Seven people, including two police officers, were killed on Nov. 26 when police clashed with an armed group in the town.

Taleh Bagirzade, an Iranian-educated Shiite cleric opposed to the government, was arrested along with 20 other supporters of his Muslim Unity organization.

The authorities say the group seeks to overthrow the government and impose Sharia law in the country. The group denies the claim.