A new regulation on school uniforms introduced last month, which bans ‘elements that contradict the principle of secular education’, is sparking fierce protests in Azerbaijan. Underlying this is the sensitive issue, common to the whole of Central Asia, of striking a balance between religious freedom and the fight against fundamentalism.
In Baldia Town, the intervention of religious leaders, students and the police protected a Christian family at the centre of (as yet unproven) allegations of desecrating the Qur’an. Respect for the investigation was called for, and Friday sermons emphasised religious brotherhood. The Justice and Peace Commission told AsiaNews: “An important gesture”.
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