Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 14 /Trend, T.Hajiyev/
International forces influence on strengthening the religious radicalism in Azerbaijan, the doctor of historical sciences, Professor Jamil Hasanli told Trend. According to him, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the religious factor is used in post-Soviet area for different purposes.
"Certain foreign forces are trying to exploit the religious beliefs of the population for political purposes. Already there is some experience in this regard," said Hasanli.
"Azerbaijan is a secular state, but from the point of view of religion, it is considered to be Muslim. The vast majority of the population is Muslims. Conducting religious rituals is completely free," said Hasanli.
According to him, along with foreign influence, strengthening of radicalism also influence on the existing problems in the country.
"Currently, the Islamists began to fill the vacuum created after the weakening of the democratic opposition," he said.
Islamic Party of Azerbaijan (IPA) chairman Movsum Samedov and his relatives were arrested several days ago. Weapons and ammunition were found at the store owned by Samedov and at homes of his relatives.