Protesters call for PM's resignation

By Chloe Arnold BBC correspondent in Baku, Azerbaijan

More than 10,000 opposition supporters have taken to the streets in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to protest against the appointment of the president's son as prime minister.

Protesters object to the president's son being appointed PM

Protesters from across the country converged on Baku's Victory Square, calling for the resignation of Ilham Aliyev, son of Azeri President Heydar Aliyev.

Parliament approved Ilham Aliyev's appointment to the post earlier this week, paving the way for him to take over from his father.

Heydar Aliyev is seriously ill in hospital in the United States following a collapse earlier this year, and has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

The protesters carried banners reading "Down with monarchy" and "Elections should be free".

Profile: Heydar Aliyev

The ailing 80-year-old president installed his son as prime minister this week.

If he becomes too ill to run the country, his son will take over until elections are called.

Opposition groups say his son's appointment as prime minister paves the way for him to step into his father's shoes.

On Friday, 10 opposition supporters were arrested during clashes with police and more than 20 protesters have been on hunger strike since Ilham Aliyev was sworn in.