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Iran activist accuses Baku of `double-standard attitude towards reli

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  • Iran activist accuses Baku of `double-standard attitude towards reli

    Iranian activist accuses Baku of `double-standard attitude towards
    religious freedom'

    December 24, 2011 - 14:17 AMT

    PanARMENIAN.Net - Head of the Society for Supporting and Protecting
    Iranian expatriates in Azerbaijan lashed out at the Azeri authorities'
    `double-standard attitude towards religious freedom' in the Caucasian
    state, saying that `while Baku allows Jews to practice their faith it
    has banned Shiite rituals and ceremonies.'

    Speaking to Fars News Agency, Mir-Qassem Mo'meni blasted the Baku
    government for its unconventional treatment of Iranian expatriates
    during the annual Ashoura mourning ceremonies, marking the martyrdom
    of Imam Hossein (AS), Shiites' third Imam.

    He added that although 98% of the Azeri people are Shiites, they are
    not free to practice their religious faith and rituals.

    `The 200,000 Iranian expatriates living in Azerbaijan Republic are not
    allowed to hold their religious ceremonies in this country either,' he
    said. `However, the Baku government is funding and supporting the
    religious activities of 20,000 Jews who are living in the country and
    the government and Baku's municipality have assisted the Jewish
    community in construction and restoration of 16 synagogues in the
    city.'

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