Hijab ban arrives at school in Azerbaijan, protests break out in the country

The new code prevents female students and teachers from wearing the hijab when in a public school. Protests have spread across the country, with demonstrations and class boycotts.

Harsh protests over Azerbaijan's decision to ban students and school staff from wearing the hijab (the veil that covers the hair and neck but not the face) at school. The measure adopted by the government aims to protect the secular nature of the state. So much so that the amendment approved on September 21st does not prohibit the wearing of the veil but prohibits the use of clothing in school that violates the "principle of secularism". In the country approximately 96% of the inhabitants declare themselves Muslim.

Demonstrations and boycotts

Protests have spread across the country, with demonstrations and class boycotts. In the capital, 37 people were arrested in the riots, the Interior Ministry said. Videos on social media show female students in hijabs being removed from schools, with some in tears as they hugged teachers. “If one day I decide to take it off, it should be my choice.” Several protests in front of school buildings called on the authorities to revoke the measures.

Tensioni con la Turchia

The new amendment has also sparked tensions with Turkey. Some demonstrators protested to defend the rights of Muslim women in front of the Azerbaijani consulate in Istanbul. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed a veiled criticism of Turkey - usually a close ally of Azerbaijan - and during a speech at his party congress asked not to "interfere with" our way of life, without explicitly mentioning Ankara. The Turkish authorities did not officially respond.