Parliamentary committees are discussing the tightening of penalties for involvement in religion

At a meeting of the parliamentary committees on legal policy and state construction and public associations and religious structures discussion continued on amendments to the Criminal Code. They discussed innovations suggesting increased penalties for involving citizens in a particular religion or for enforcement of religious rites and ceremonies. The penalty for this is provided in the form of fines in the amount of 7 to 9 thousand manats, or depriving of liberty from 2 to 5 years. After discussions, the change was referred to the plenary session of Milli Majlis.

The committees reviewed the changes to the Criminal Code providings for a fine to foreigners for holding ceremonies and rites of Islam. The penalty for it provides for a fine from 2,000 to 5,000 manats or imprisonment up to one year.

It is expected these amendments will be considered at a meeting of the parliament on Friday. -02D-