The government cracked down on all forms of public protest, at times violently, and imprisoned activists on politically-motivated charges. The atmosphere for journalists is hostile, and government officials continue to initiate criminal and civil libel cases against journalists. The government tightened restrictions on religious groups, and banned women from wearing head scarves in schools and universities, leading thousands to drop out. Torture and ill-treatment in police custody continue with impunity. The Baku mayor’s office has forcibly evicted thousands of residents and demolished their homes, including in a neighborhood next to the National Flag Square, where the anticipated venue for the May 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is being built.