Moscow Shia Scholars Strongly Condemn Azerbaijan’s School Hijab Ban

Moscow Shia Scholars Strongly Condemn Azerbaijan’s School Hijab Ban
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A gathering of Shia scholars and Azerbaijani religious activists in Moscow has strongly condemned a recent decision by the Azerbaijani government to ban Islamic head coverings in schools, describing the measure as a violation of religious freedom and a denial of Muslim girls’ fundamental right to education.

According to Russia’s Sputnik news agency, participants cited Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Azerbaijan’s Constitution, arguing that secularism should mean state neutrality toward religious beliefs rather than the removal of religious symbols from public life. They also criticized what they described as a double standard, claiming that Muslim girls face restrictions on religious dress while other religious minorities are permitted to display their symbols in educational settings.

The participants thanked people across the Muslim world for expressing solidarity and called on international human rights organizations and Muslim communities to take a stronger public stand against the restrictions.

The meeting comes amid growing criticism and unrest within Azerbaijan over the hijab ban. According to official reports cited in the original account, dozens of people have been arrested in connection with protests against the restrictions.