Parliament to consider new amendments to Criminal Code
The upcoming session of the Azerbaijani Parliament will consider several amendments to the Criminal Code with respect to foreigners.
Under the proposed amendments, the implementation of Islamic religious rites and ceremonies by foreigners and stateless persons will be prohibited in the country. The punishment will be applied for violation of the rule.
In case of violation of this paragraph, offenders will be punished in the amount of 2,000- 5,000 manats ($1,200 -$3,000) or imprisonment for a term of 1 year.
Articulation of religious slogans and demonstration of religious attributes (except religious attribute on the body) and flags outside places of worship and in public places is also prohibited in the country.
The government will apply financial sanctions in relation to foreigners, who will violate the rule, and they will be deported from the country. In this regard, it’s proposed to include a new article in the Code of Administrative Offence.
Also, in case of violation of this prohibition, the citizens of the country will be fined in the amount of 2,000 to 2,500 manats ($1,200 $1,500), officials - from 8,000 to 9,000 manats ($4,800-$5,400), legal entities - from 20,000 to 25,000 manats ($12,000-$15,000).
Foreigners and stateless persons will be fined in the amount of 2,0002,500 manats ($1,200 -$1,500) and deported from Azerbaijan.
For attempts to break the state or the constitutional order, violation of territorial integrity of the country on the basis of religious fanaticism, strife new penalties, including life imprisonment will be applied.
Also, it’s proposed to include a new article in the Code of Administrative Offence. The article stipulates punishment from 15 to 20 years or life imprisonment, for attempt to damage or change the constitutional system of Azerbaijan, including its secular character, as well as for the violation of the territorial integrity or the seizure of power by violence motivated by religious hatred, radicalism and fanaticism.