Caucasus Muslims Office head blames officials for demolition of mosques

"Activities of the illegally built mosques are inadmissible and governmental officials should create conditions to legalize such temples. Not mosques, but officials, who do not create the conditions for this process should be punished," Pashazade said at the 12th meeting of the CMO.

Pashazade appealed to the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations to assist with this respect.

In April, the Prophet Muhammad mosque was demolished in Baku following a decision by the Yasamal District Court. The court decided demolishing of the mosque upon the appeal of the administrative body of the Yasamal region.

The court justified its decision by the construction of the non-residential premises in this area.
Only illegal constructions, not legal mosques demolished in Azerbaijan, Head of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations Hidayat Orujov said.

"Mosques are sacred places and they should be built on legal places," Orujov added.
Orujovov called on religious leaders to attach special attention to this issue. The amendments and additions made to the Law on Freedom of Religion reflects needs for constructing, repairing and reconstructing mosques, Orujov added.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on amendments and supplements to the law on Freedom of Religion on 21 July.

According to the decree, the Caucasus Muslims Office will appoint the religious leaders, including the leaders of prayer places upon the consent of relevant executive authorities. Events related to the Islamic religion can only be conducted under the guidance of the Azerbaijani citizens who received religious education in the country.

/Trend News/