Iranian activist accuses Baku of “double-standard attitude towards religious freedom”

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.”