Religion Law ‘limits people’s rights’ in Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan — Azerbaijan’s repressive new Religion Law and amendments to both the Criminal Code and the Administrative Code went into force May 31.

More severe censorship and new punishments have been introduced for religious activities and organizations the government does not like. All registered religious organizations must re-register by Jan. 1, the third time re-registration has been demanded in less than 20 years. It is implied that unregistered organizations are illegal and all religious organizations can act only after gaining state registration.

“The new Religion Law will limit people’s rights to freedom of conscience — that is clear,” Parliamentary Deputy Fazil Gazanfarolgu Mustafaev said.

He said the law should have been drafted in accordance with international human rights standards and that would have been more likely if expert advice from organizations like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe had been sought.