Arrests over school clothing rules

In Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, 37 individuals have been arrested for protesting new school clothing regulations. The arrests followed demonstrations that disrupted schools, blocked roads, and involved attacks on school staff, according to the Ministry of Interior, as reported by pro-government media.

Schools targeted in protests

According to the news agency APA, a school principal’s car was set on fire, and a school was the target of an attempted arson. Neither incident resulted in injuries. These actions were part of the broader unrest against the new regulations.

New rules on student and teacher attire

The controversy began with a decree issued on September 21, banning students from wearing clothing deemed "contrary to the secular nature of education." The rule was later extended to teachers on October 6 and has been enforced through inspections since October 12. The decree focuses on maintaining uniformity in school dress.

Hijab and religious freedom concerns

While the decree does not explicitly mention the hijab, a head and neck covering worn by many Muslim women, some schools have reportedly refused entry to students and female teachers who wear it. In Azerbaijan, a secular country with a predominantly Muslim population, families are criticizing the rules as an infringement on religious freedom.