Azerbaijan enforces school hijab ban, sparking protests and arrests

Azerbaijan has intensified enforcement of secular dress codes in public schools, effectively banning the hijab for students and tightening attire rules for teachers. The measures stem from a Cabinet of Ministers resolution adopted on September 21 that prohibits clothing conflicting with secular education principles.

Students at multiple schools, including School No. 322 in Baku and a school in Mollaoba village, have boycotted classes in solidarity with classmates barred from entry. Videos show girls blocked from entering School No. 9 in Jalilabad district while wearing headscarves.

“The hijab does not prevent anyone from getting an education.”

The Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 37 people on October 12 linked to incidents over uniform compliance. Parents demanding their children be allowed to attend lessons now face criminal proceedings.

Imprisoned journalist Polad Aslanov, head of the Xeberman news website, launched a hunger strike against the restrictions, arguing they violate his child's education rights. The Baku City Education Department has begun monitoring schools for compliance with the new requirements.

Azerbaijan is a majority-Muslim country where approximately 96 percent of the population identifies as Muslim, predominantly Shia. The restrictions have reignited debate over the implementation of secularism in the Islamic-majority nation.