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Incident

Narimanov District Police Office: â€œIf the activity of Abu Bakr mosque is restored, cameras will be installed in the territoryâ€

11 December 2008 14:57 (UTC +04:00)

APA reports that judge Turgay Huseynov presided over the process. Representatives of the US Embassy, European Commissionâ€™s Office in Azerbaijan and other international organizations also attended the hearing. Lawyer Javanshir Suleymanov regarded the decision of Narimanov District Police Office on closing Abu Bakr mosque as illegal. He said there was no official order to take this step.

Deputy Chief of Narimanov District Police Office Akbar Ismayilov said the mosqueâ€™s activity was temporarily restricted basing on article 18 of the law on police.
â€œAccording to this article, if there is any threat to the buildings, facilities in our territory, the police can close it. Investigation over the happenings in Abu Bakr mosque has not finished. Expert group of Prosecutor Generalâ€™s Office and National Security Ministry investigated the mosque last week again. Thatâ€™s why the mosqueâ€™s activity is restricted, until the investigation is over,â€ he said.
Yusif Asgarov, Chief of Law and Registration Department of State Committee on Work with Religious Associations addressing the court stated that religious situation was stable in the country.
â€œThere should be serious approach towards reports on closure of Abu Bakr mosque. State Committee on Work with Religious Associations supports position of Narimanov Police Department till the end of investigationâ€, he said.
Law of pretendant Javanshir Suleymanov addressed with petition. He demanded written proof from Narimanov Police Department on limitation of activity of the mosque. The judge received petition. Akbar Ismayilov stated that the step was taken according to internal order and law on police. The judge demanded copy of written order. Lawyer Javanshir Suleymanov demanded from National Security Ministry to make a report about operations in Abu Bakr mosque. Other petition was linked with restoration of stray in the mosque. The judge rejected both of petitions.
Deputy Chief of Narimanov Police Department petitioned for interrogation of residents living around the mosque.
â€œThe residents have appealed us several times and noted that there was danger for their life every time. The residents added that they could not send their children to school freelyâ€, he said. The judge approved the petition. Ismayilov added that police department would ensure security of the mosque after restoration of its activity. Cameras will be installed to prevent any danger. Trial was fixed on December 16.