Azerbaijan, Ganja / Тrend corr V. Mammadov / Students in hijabs (Muslim scarf) were not admitted to studies in Baku Institute of Teachers due to arbitrariness of functionaries, Azerbaijani Ombudswoman, Elmira Suleymanova, said to journalists on 29 September. According to her, there is no law preventing admission of students wearing hijabs to studies.
"Non-admission of students in hijabs to studies is a violation of the State policy, laws, and is a result of arbitrariness of functionaries," Suleymanova said.
The rector of the Azerbaijan Institute of Teachers did not permit 2 students to visit studies due to wearing hijab. The students were threatened to be sent down in case they do not stop wearing hijab.
The Education Ministry reported there is no ban for students to wear hijab. The Ministry is investigating the case.
Suleymanova said she believed the problem would be settled. An appeal has been sent to the Education Ministry. "If the matter fails to be resolved, Ombudsman's administration will revert to the issue," she said.