Freedom of religion in Azerbaijan

Freedom of religion in Azerbaijan is substantially curtailed.^[1][2] The Azerbaijan government, which follows a strictly secular and anti-religious ideology, represses all religions.^[1]

The majority of the population in Azerbaijan is Muslim, mainly Shia. According to Michigan State University political scientist Ani Sarkissian, "the Azerbaijani government attempts to control religious practice to keep it from becoming an independent social force that might threaten the nondemocratic nature of the regime."^[1]

The government censors religious literature and closes down religious institutions that it considers objectionable.^[1] Political speech by religious institutions is forbidden and clerics are not allowed to run for political office.^[1] The display of religious paraphernalia, flags and slogans, is forbidden, except in places of worship, religious centers and offices.^[3] Ashura festivities in public are forbidden.^[4] The wearing of the hijab in public institutions and schools is forbidden.^[5][6]

The government uses mosque closures to repress independent Muslim groups that act independently of the state.^[1] Clerics that act in ways objectionable to the state face dismissal and arrest.^[1] The government does not restrict religious conversion, but it does forbid proselytizing.^[1]