Video interview: Imam-human rights activist about the problems of "Dzhuma" community in Azerbaijan

Human rights activist Ilgar Ibragimoglu, leader of the "Dzhuma" religious community in Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Centre in Defence of Freedom of Conscience and Religion (DEVAMM), has narrated in his interview to the "Caucasian Knot" about the activities of his community and the problems confronted by the parishioners of his mosque.

The "Dzhuma" Mosque appeared in Azerbaijan as an independent religious community in 1992, but in 2004 it was closed in the judicial order, and the ban on its activities is still in force. The case about the closure of the Mosque and prosecution of the members of the community is currently considered by the European Court for Human Rights in Strasbourg.

The video story entitled "Imam-Human Rights Defender", available in the Portal YouTube, along with other videos of the "Caucasian Knot", shows Ilgar Ibragimoglu saying that the reason for closing the Mosque was its independent approach to religious issues.

The "Dzhuma" community is also known for its human rights and public activities: the believers organized children's holidays, held actions of blood collection for sick children, and taught different scientific disciplines at boarding schools.

According to the Imam, special discontent of the authorities was caused by the human rights activities of the community: its attempts to protect the right of Muslim women to wear hijabs, and other rights of believers.

Ilgar Ibragimoglu himself was convicted in 2004 has been condemned on charges of organizing mass disorders on October 15-16, 2003, in Baku in connection with the presidential elections in Azerbaijan, and spent 4 months behind the bars; then he was released under the pressure of the international community, however, he is still deprived of the right to go abroad.