Azerbaijan added to US list of religious freedom offenders

The US-based “Christian Today” newspaper revealed in a new report that Azerbaijan has been added on the US list of persecutors of religious freedom, including the persecution of members of the Shia and Armenian followers in the country and depriving them of their legitimate rights.

The newspaper said in the report seen by Shia Waves Agency: “This is the first time that the US Department of State has recognized Azerbaijan as a violator of religious freedom, as it has placed it on the list of countries that persecute religious freedom, most notably Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Morocco, Bahrain, and others.”

It continued: “Azerbaijan also joined Algeria, the Central African Republic, the Comoros, and Vietnam on the list of countries that violate religious rights.”

The newspaper explained that “Azerbaijani laws impose burdensome requirements on religious groups and minorities, including Shias, and these restrictions are increasing day by day; and it deprives them of their right to worship freely and choose their own religious leaders.”

It added: “The Azerbaijani government physically abuses religious activists, arrests and imprisons them, and does not allow them to serve their country and homeland.”