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Azerbaijani parliament to discuss proposals to ban religious propaganda in public places

13 October 2016 09:33 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Ramiz Mikayiloglu – APA. Amendments proposed to the Criminal Code and Code of Administrative Offences of Azerbaijan regarding the violation of the law on religious freedom were discussed at the joint meeting of the parliamentary Committee on legal policy and state building, and the Committee on public associations and religious organizations.

It was proposed to fine foreigners and stateless persons from 2,000 up to 5,000 manats and to sentence them to up to one year in prison for holding Islamic ceremonies or rites in Azerbaijan.

According to the proposed amendments, demonstration of religious slogans and other religious attributes (excluding religious attributes carried by a person) in public places, outside places of worship and installation of religious flags outside places of worships, religious centers and offices are prohibited. In case of violation of these prohibitions, citizens will face fines from 2,000 up to 2,500 manats, officials - from 8,000 up to 9,000 manats fines, legal entities – from 20,000 up to 25,000 manats. Foreigners and stateless persons, who violate the requirements of the new article, will face a fine from 2,000 up to 2,500 manats, and they will be deported from the country.

The draft law was recommended to the parliament’s plenary session.