18:19, 26 August 2004

USCIRF concerned about situation in Azerbaijan

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation for religious freedom in Azerbaijan. The commission's statement on the occasion touches in particular the persecution of members of the Juma community and its leader, Ilgar Ibragimoglu. The closure of the Juma Mosque is an example of the authorities' limiting the activity of Islamic and other religious communities, including Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses and Krishna devotees.

"The Azerbaijan authorities are moving in the wrong direction with respect of freedom of conscience and honoring its international obligations in this field," said USCIRF Chair Preeta B. Bansal. "We call upon the Azerbaijan authorities to stop these repressive actions against the Juma Mosque and the other religious communities in the country," Mr Bansal added.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot