22:09, 15 February 2007

Azerbaijan to toughen control over religious organizations

The Azerbaijani Milli Medzhlis (Parliament) is now drafting, with the aim to toughen the state control over the activities of missionary organizations, a new wording of the Law "On Freedom of Religion."

"Missionary organizations of non-traditional religious trends have activated their operations in Azerbaijan, and there are such entities among them, which adhere to radical stands. These organizations are trying to involve citizens of Azerbaijan. In a number of cases, this sort of activities of these organizations is possible due to lacks of legislation, therefore, there is a need to pass a new edition of the Law 'On Freedom of Religion'," a parliamentary spokesman told the "Interfax."

We remind you that the authorities of Azerbaijan have been repeatedly accused of prosecuting members of religious movements. Thus, examples can be the case with the community of Ashkenazi Jews and persecution by the authorities of the members of the "Jumah" community."