Azerbaijan Hijab Restrictions Spark Student Protests; 37 People Arrested
BAKU: Protests have spread across Azerbaijan over reports that female students wearing hijab have been prevented from entering classrooms, prompting student walkouts and demonstrations in solidarity with their classmates.
According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, students in the capital, Baku, and several other areas boycotted classes to protest the restrictions and support girls who were reportedly denied access to classrooms for wearing headscarves.
Protests were reported at Schools No. 322 and 69, as well as in the regions of Masalli and Jalilabad. In some locations, parents reportedly threatened to withdraw their children from school in opposition to the restrictions.
School Uniform Rules Trigger Controversy
According to the report, the controversy began following Cabinet Resolution No. 309, approved on September 21, which prohibits additional clothing that conflicts with school uniform regulations.
The resolution does not explicitly mention hijab. However, reports that some schools have interpreted the rules to prevent female students from covering their heads have triggered protests among students and parents.
Authorities maintain that the uniform regulations are intended to ensure consistency in school dress codes in line with Azerbaijan’s secular education system.
Critics, however, argue that restricting headscarves could undermine religious freedom and limit students’ access to education.
37 People Arrested, Authorities Say
Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry said 37 people had been arrested by October 12 in connection with incidents related to the enforcement of the school regulations.
Authorities alleged that some individuals clashed with educational staff, damaged institutions and attempted to disrupt public order. A criminal case has also been registered in connection with the incidents, according to the report.
The reported arrests have added to tensions surrounding the dispute, which has drawn attention beyond Azerbaijan’s borders.
Protests Reach Istanbul
Demonstrations were also reported outside Azerbaijan’s consulate in Istanbul, Türkiye, indicating that opposition to the restrictions has extended beyond the country.
Azerbaijan has a predominantly Muslim population, with approximately 96 per cent of its residents identifying as Muslim, according to the supplied report. However, the country’s Constitution defines it as a secular state and guarantees freedom of religion.
The dispute has brought competing concerns over uniform regulations, religious expression and access to education into focus, with students and parents calling for changes to the way the rules are being implemented.