Azerbaijan Religion
Azerbaijan
The Constitution provides that persons of all faiths may choose and practice their religion without restrictions; however, there were some abuses and restrictions. The Law on Religion expressly prohibits the Government from interfering in the religious activities of any individual or group; however, there were exceptions, including cases where the activity of a religious group "threatens public order and stability." Some officials at times discriminated against members of minority religions. In October the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe/Organization for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) and the Government jointly sponsored a conference on religious freedom and combating terrorism in Baku. ... [Read More]
Joint Statement on Terrorism by United States, Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Moldova
"The United States and the GUUAM member states acknowledge that terrorism is not identified with any religion or culture. Together they will work in the international coalition to fight terrorism. This effort will be long and sustained and will define a new era in international relations. Already, the individual states that comprise GUUAM are working closely with the U.S. on combating terrorism, and have agreed on the crucial importance of mutual cooperation, especially in ensuring the security of transport corridors and preventing drug trafficking, illegal weapons trade and illegal migration. During their meeting, the Foreign Ministers of the GUUAM states and the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs explored possibilities for increased cooperation on counterterrorism between the United States and GUUAM as an important regional organization. ... [Read More]
International Religious Freedom Report 2002: Azerbaijan
The Constitution provides that persons of all faiths may choose and practice their religion without restriction; however, there were some abuses and restrictions. Under the Constitution, each person has the right to choose and change his or her own religious affiliation and belief, including atheism, to join or form the religious group of his choice, and to practice his or her religion. The Law on Religion expressly prohibits the Government from interfering in the religious activities of any individual or group; however, there are exceptions, including cases where the activity of a religious group "threatens public order and stability." ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan
The Constitution provides that persons of all faiths may choose and practice their religion without restrictions; however, there were some abuses and restrictions. The Law on Religion expressly prohibits the Government from interfering in the religious activities of any individual or group; however, there are exceptions, including cases where the activity of a religious group "threatens public order and stability." ... Some officials at times discriminated against members of minority religions. In many instances, abuses by officials reflected the popular prejudice against conversion to Christianity and other nontraditional religions (see Section 5). For example, in 2000 local authorities in the Zagatala region in Northwestern Azerbaijan denied a birth certificate for a newborn boy for several months allegedly because his parents were members of a local Baptist Church and gave their son a non-Azeri name. During the year, a police officer reportedly was fired from his job after he was seen by policemen attending a Baptist Church service in Baku. ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan
There has been significant improvement for the Jehovah's Witnesses this year. Since their registration in December 1999, church members have been able to conduct prayer services freely and proselytize with minimal interference by the authorities. In September 1999, several members of Jehovah's Witnesses reportedly were subjected to humiliation and degradation when a factory manager assembled the plant's work force and berated the members of Jehovah's Witnesses for betraying their country by adopting a new religion. During the event, the father of one of the members of Jehovah's Witnesses publicly disowned her for adopting the new religion. In November 1999, the factory reinstated the members with full back pay (see Section 2.c.). ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan
During the year, a total of three POWs were released, one from Azerbaijan and two from Armenia.The law prohibits forced exile, and the Government did not employ it. e. Denial of a Fair and Public Trial The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary; however, in practice, judges did not function independently of the executive branch, and the judiciary was widely believed to be corrupt and inefficient. Judges preside over and direct trials. The President appoints Supreme and Constitutional Court judges, whom Parliament confirms. The President appoints lower-level judges without confirmation. Qualifying exams for judges were administered periodically as part of a judicial reform effort; however, credible allegations persisted that judgeships were bought and sold. Low salaries for judges and lawyers increased the incentives for bribe taking and ... [Read More]
The Azerbaijan School Connectivity Program (ASCP) – Youth Programs Division – Citizen Exchanges
Students and teachers from AzSCP schools in Baku, Ganja, and Sheki took part in a year-end online project entitled "Religion as a Part of Culture," along with Lincoln High School in Lincoln, CA. The purpose of the activity was for students to investigate the diversity of religions in their countries and communities. The project consisted of three stages. First, students investigated which religions are observed in their communities: what beliefs they entail, what religious rituals are practiced, and what the relationship is between these religions and the culture of the communities as a whole. During this stage students took photos of religious events, architecture, figures, and artwork, and uploaded them into a common online space for general viewing and discussion. Second, students interviewed practitioners of different religious faiths found in their comm ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan
The Constitution provides that persons of all faiths may choose and practice their religion without restriction; however, there were some abuses and restrictions. Under the Constitution, each person has the right to choose and change his or her own religious affiliation and belief--including atheism, to join or form the religious group of his or her choice, and to practice his or her religion. The Law on Religion expressly prohibits the Government from interfering in the religious activities of any individual or group; however, there are exceptions, including cases where the activity of a religious group "threatens public order and stability." ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan (10/04)
Religion: Muslim 93.4% (majority Shi'a), Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox Church 2.3%, and other 1.8%. ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan
There was slight improvement in the status of respect for religious freedom during the period covered by this report. While some religious groups reported delays in and denials of registration, several churches have indicated that they either received or expect to receive their registration, they are able to import religious literature, and they meet without government interference. However, local authorities occasionally monitor religious services, and officials at times harassed nontraditional religious groups. The generally amicable relationship among religions in society contributed to religious freedom; however, there is popular prejudice against Muslims who convert to non-Muslim faiths and hostility towards groups that proselytize, particularly Evangelical Christian and missionary groups. The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues with the Government i ... [Read More]
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