BAKU, March 10 (RIA Novosti) – Police of Baku broke up an unsanctioned protest against violence in the army by firing water cannons and rubber bullets on Sunday.

More than 50 people were detained at the rally called via Facebook after the death of soldiers who were allegedly killed in accidents. In addition, three student opposition activists were detained ahead of the protest.

Some 20,000 people had signed up online to take part in the Sunday protest, while the official figures of number of protesters were not immediately available.

This is the second attempt to hold a mass demonstration in the capital of oil-rich Azerbaijan over hazing in the army and deaths among conscripts this year.

The protest wave against non-combat deaths among young Azeri militaries was prompted by the controversial death of a 19-year-old private in January.

Military officials have maintained that the man died of a heart attack, while his relatives insist they have evidence that he had be subject to violence. His death followed a series of other reported cases abuse and suspicious deaths among young militaries.