A new group “March 11 – Great People’s Day in Azerbaijan” was created on Facebook networking site by young Azerbaijani activists and EUROAD (European Azerbaijani for Democracy) organization.

By March 2 evening the group created by Elnur Majidli, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Habib Muntezir, Majid Marjanli and Arzu Heybullayev was liked by 1,700 users.

In an interview with RFE/RL Azerbaijani service, Elnur Majidli said group’s aim is “to put an end to mass despair”.

Majidli also said the date was chosen accidentally but recalled March 11 marks a month since the resignation of Egypt’s president Hosni Mubarak. It is also the day when Azerbaijani activist Jabbar Savalan was arrested for drug possession. Savalan called on people to gather at Liberty (Azadlig) square on February 11.

The group sparked off controversy among Facebook users. About 3,000 users rejected joining the group.

Organizers claim it is response of pro-government users who create 5-10 profiles to reject participation.