<sup>Just days before the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, 35 people have been arrested in Azerbaijan after staging a freedom protest outside the building country's state TV station.

Activists angry over what they see as the country's poor human rights record chanting 'Freedom!' and 'Freedom for Political Prisoners!' gathered in Baku outside of the Azeri Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company - the host broadcaster for the hugely popular singing competition.

Human rights organisation have voiced concerns that the authorities in the country are keeping opposition supporters in jail and not allowing them freedom of expression. The President maintains the country allows full freedom of speech and that there is a vibrant opposition press. It wasn't long before police and plain clothed officers surrounded many of the group one by one and took them all away in police vans and buses, the scene causing mayhem on the capital's busy streets.

The Song Contest will be watched by millions worldwide on Saturday.