In Baku, demolition of mosque suspended after believers’ protests

In Baku, the demolition of the "Haji Javad" mosque was suspended after the protests of believers. Such an instruction was given by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev, who also ordered to create a special commission to clarify the situation around the mosque.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 12, believers surrounded the "Haji Javad" mosque located in the centre of Baku and did not allow to start its demolition, which was motivated by measures to improve and build roads in the zone known as "Sovetskaya".

On April 13, Ali Gasanov, the presidential aide for political and public affairs, announced the suspension of the demolition of the "Haji Javad" mosque. His statement was disseminated by the state-owned news agency "AZERTAC".

According to Ali Gasanov, Ilham Aliev has expressed his concern over the situation surrounding the demolition of the mosque.

"Taking into account the believers' reaction, the leader of the state has ordered to suspend the demolition of the mosque until the complete clarification of all issues. Besides, he has also instructed to thoroughly study the issue, objectively assess the technical condition of the building, and create a commission with the aim of submitting relevant proposals," reported Ali Gasanov.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.