Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 16 / Trend K.Zarbaliyeva /
The State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations regarded some actions, committed in Baku by a group of religious people as an attempt to pose a resistance in public and to violate tolerance.
Street walks organized in Baku from Fizuli square to Martyrs Alley by a group of people who has nothing to do religion, in connection with the death day of Prophet Mohammed (s) is an unsuccessful attempt to raise resistance and to violate tolerance," the State Committee said.
After praying in the Haji Sultanali mosque (at the intersection of M. Mukhtarov and S.Askerov streets in Yasamal district of Baku) a group of 60-70 people went out with posters of religious content and a wreath in their hands Feb. 13 at 15:00. They tried to hold a rally without appealing the executive power for sanctioning.
Disobeying the legal demands of police, protesters obstructed the normal traffic and public order in the N. Narimanov street, throwing stones and beating the policemen of the Yasamal and Sabail district department with wooden parts of the posters, which were in their hands. These people applied force against police, jeopardizing their lives and health.
The actions committed by a small group of people under the influence of certain circles under the veil of religion, contradict the law due to violation of public order, conduct of dangerous propaganda to mislead public opinion, the State Committee said. .
"Therefore, the law enforcement bodies this illegal action vigorously suppressed," the official statement underscored.
The government respect religious choices of all citizens in the country, but propaganda of religious extremism, religious intolerance is unacceptable, the committee warned. Attempts of some forces to use religion for political purposes, calling people to radicalism, damaging the traditions of tolerance of people, formed over centuries, and the abuse of religious freedom in the country are not allowed.
The law-enforcement agencies detained four people suspected of attempts to conduct an unsanctioned demonstration and to use force against police in accordance with Article 221.3 (hooliganism with a weapon or other objects as a weapon) and 315.2 (resistance or usage of force against civil servants) of the Criminal Code. Seven people were taken under administrative custody in accordance with Article 310 (willful disobedience to a police officer) of the Administrative Code, five people were fined in an administrative order, and two were issues a warning, a joint statement of the Baku Prosecutor's office and the Central Police Office said.
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