"The Islamic Party of Azerbaijan condemns the statements made by Rafik Aliyev, head of the state committee for contact with religious organizations, regarding the radical and anti-state activities of representatives of Shi'a Islam in Azerbaijan," the release reads.

According to Interfax, the party's chairman Gadzhiag Nuri believes that Aliyev's remarks could spark tensions between religious movements in the republic and called on the country's authorities to bring the official to justice.

"Aliyev has made an incorrect statement about a movement which has a millennium-long history in Azerbaijan. It could lead the Islamic world to confrontation," the release reads.

Aliyev's remarks do not insult Shi'a Islam, the press service of the state committee for contact with religious organizations said. "However, radical Shiism does exist in Azerbaijan. Authorities around the world are combating it," the press service said.