Azerbaijani parliament limits sales of religious materials
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 February 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Azerbaijani parliament limits sales of religious materials, 22 February 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/513dd1bec.html [accessed 27 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 22, 2013
The new regulation says that all religious materials should be sold only in specially designated stores.
Azerbaijan's parliament has approved an amendment to the law on religions limiting sales of religious materials.
According to the amendment approved on February 22, all religious materials, such as books, video and audiotapes, and discs can be sold only if they are specially marked to show they are allowed for sale in the country.
The new regulation also says that all religious materials should be sold only in specially designated stores.
The parliament speaker, Oqtay Asadov, said the measure's goal was to prevent the illegal import of material propagating religious extremism.
Azerbaijan is a secular country with a mostly Shi'ite Muslim population of more than 9 million.
Based on reporting by Interfax and Apa.az
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
