Authorities Mitigate Restrictions on Religious Propaganda

Baku / 24.04.17 / Turan: On April 24, the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Associations and Religious Organizations discussed issues of introducing amendments and additions to the law "On Freedom of Religion".

According to the head of the Committee Siyavush Novruzov, the Caucasus Muslims Office has offered to allow Azerbaijani citizens who received religious education abroad to conduct religious rites and ceremonies in coordination with the executive authorities.

It is also proposed to remove restrictions on the conduct of religious rites by foreigners and stateless persons. For this purpose, it is planned to amend Article 1 of the Law "On Freedom of Religion".

At the same time, such permission will concern only religious figures invited by religious centers. In other cases, the conduct of religious propaganda by foreigners and stateless persons will continue to be prohibited.

Corresponding amendments are also planned to be introduced into the Criminal Code.

The draft laws are recommended for consideration by the plenary session of the parliament. -05D06--