Ilgar Ibrahimoglu: Radicalism Increasing in Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan and throughout the Islamic world, there is negative attitude to the film "The innocence of the Muslims." We demand that the government of America punish the customers and perpetrators of the film, told Objective TV (www.obyektiv.tv) the head of the religious community Juma Ilgar Ibrahimoglu

"More than half a billion people are insulted in their religious feelings. This is moral terror. Those who incite sectarian strife should be punished," he said.

Recently in Azerbaijan the anti-American sentiment has begun to dominate. "Despite the fact that there is no freedom of assembly, everyone can express displeasure at his own level. We have conducted a big conference, and most of the social and political organizations condemned the film, including the Public Chamber," he said.

All this leads to increase in radicalism in the country.

"Radicalism is not amplified by films, but by the restriction of rights and freedoms. Intensification of Islam phobia and restriction of the rights and freedoms is the cause of rising protests. These events, in general, lead to increase in anti-American sentiment," said Ibrahimoglu.

He praised the leadership of Azerbaijan for condemnation of the anti-Islam film. However, the government should be consistent in both domestic and foreign policy. The current leadership itself conducts anti-Islamic policies in the country, destroying and closing mosques, arresting and persecuting believers. All this must end, he said. -03B04-