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Iranian activist accuses Baku of `double-standard attitude towards
religious freedom'
December 24, 2011 - 14:17 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Head of the Society for Supporting and Protecting
Iranian expatriates in Azerbaijan lashed out at the Azeri authorities'
`double-standard attitude towards religious freedom' in the Caucasian
state, saying that `while Baku allows Jews to practice their faith it
has banned Shiite rituals and ceremonies.'
Speaking to Fars News Agency, Mir-Qassem Mo'meni blasted the Baku
government for its unconventional treatment of Iranian expatriates
during the annual Ashoura mourning ceremonies, marking the martyrdom
of Imam Hossein (AS), Shiites' third Imam.
He added that although 98% of the Azeri people are Shiites, they are
not free to practice their religious faith and rituals.
`The 200,000 Iranian expatriates living in Azerbaijan Republic are not
allowed to hold their religious ceremonies in this country either,' he
said. `However, the Baku government is funding and supporting the
religious activities of 20,000 Jews who are living in the country and
the government and Baku's municipality have assisted the Jewish
community in construction and restoration of 16 synagogues in the
city.'
religious freedom'
December 24, 2011 - 14:17 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Head of the Society for Supporting and Protecting
Iranian expatriates in Azerbaijan lashed out at the Azeri authorities'
`double-standard attitude towards religious freedom' in the Caucasian
state, saying that `while Baku allows Jews to practice their faith it
has banned Shiite rituals and ceremonies.'
Speaking to Fars News Agency, Mir-Qassem Mo'meni blasted the Baku
government for its unconventional treatment of Iranian expatriates
during the annual Ashoura mourning ceremonies, marking the martyrdom
of Imam Hossein (AS), Shiites' third Imam.
He added that although 98% of the Azeri people are Shiites, they are
not free to practice their religious faith and rituals.
`The 200,000 Iranian expatriates living in Azerbaijan Republic are not
allowed to hold their religious ceremonies in this country either,' he
said. `However, the Baku government is funding and supporting the
religious activities of 20,000 Jews who are living in the country and
the government and Baku's municipality have assisted the Jewish
community in construction and restoration of 16 synagogues in the
city.'