Baku residents stage protest against ban of hijabs in schools

A rally and a march to the building of the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan were held on December 10 by schoolchildren and their parents, who protested against a possible ban on wearing headscarves (hijabs) in schools. Hundreds of people came to the rally.

The participants demanded to respect their religious rights, while ensuring the right to education. The audience chanted "Freedom to hijabs" and "Hijab is our honour!"

The action was not sanctioned by the authorities; and the police detained 16 persons. Five were released after "administrative warning", while cases against 11 protesters were to the court, the "Echo of the Caucasus" reports.

The Radio Liberty notes that there is no formal, institutionalized, ban on wearing hijabs in Azerbaijani schools. However, Misir Mardanov, Minister of Education, said on December 9 that all the school pupils should standard school uniforms, where the Muslim headscarf is not envisioned.

"There are laws of the country, which clearly state that schools must be attended in school uniform; and all other dress elements are not acceptable," the "1news.az" quoted Mr Mardanov as saying.

In his turn, Allakhshukur Pashazade, head of the Administration of Caucasian Muslims, said that "the issue of hijab is not a matter of debate; it is defined by Allah and executed in this accordance," the "Interfax" reports.