State-sanctioned intolerance in Azerbaijan

In Nakhichevan, Azerbaijan, a recent court ruling imposed heavy fines on five individuals for attending an unregistered Christian worship service, following a police raid that involved detentions and food deprivation. The fines, equivalent to three months’ wages, create significant financial strain, especially for a Korean family who hosted the meeting, with some members reportedly deported. The case illustrates the broader issue of religious oppression in Azerbaijan, where non-Muslim communities face systemic barriers to registration and legal worship. This situation reflects ongoing state-sanctioned intolerance and the urgent need for reforms to protect religious freedoms and uphold human rights commitments.