According to the author, over the last several years, Azerbaijan, widely acknowledged and praised for its commitment and pursuit of religious tolerance, has become a target of harsh criticism by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (UNCIF).
Apparently, somewhat confused about its mandate, the commission issues statements about political issues, which have nothing to do with religion and religious freedom, the author said.
In fact putting Azerbaijan in Tier 2 lacks discernment and foresight, the author said. “Tier 2 puts Azerbaijan in the company of known totalitarian and unstable regimes like those the Communist and atheist Cuba and Afghanistan, which is officially an Islamic Emirate. The ranking comes largely because of new “restrictive amendments” the Azerbaijani parliament adopted in 2013 to prevent the spread of extremism and of foreign missionary activity. In Azerbaijan, women are still empowered and minorities, such as the Jews, enjoy and free lives. This is not despite the restricting radicalism, but because of the government’s efforts.”
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