Repressions towards Islamists in Azerbaijan continue: 14 Sunnis are detained
The National Security officers of Azerbaijan as a result of a special operation conducted in Yasamal district of the country have detained 14 representatives of Sunni religious movement, the Azerbaijani news portal Haqqin.az reports.
According to the article, the officers of Security Forces raided an apartment of 57-year-ol Ali Askerli. He lives in Mejidov Street where the madrasahs of “Mahmud” are operating. The detainees confessed that they belong to Naqshbandi branch of Khalidiya Sufi order of Islam.
When law enforcement officers searched the apartment religious books, a map and posters of religious nature were found.
The portal notes that Naqshbandi – Khalidiya stream is common in the Caucasus, particularly in Chechnya. Sheikh Shamil (1797 – 1871) his thirty-year resistance of the Russian Empire carried out under the Naqshbandi – Khalidiya Sufi order.
Haqqin.az as well reports that some Azerbaijani media sources disseminated information that in Salian several representatives of Salafi community were arrested and their beards were cut off. This fact has caused widespread discontent among the community and they have pledged to revenge.
The media claim that in fact a state of emergency is instituted in Salian. Due to threats of terrorist attacks the security of schools and hospitals is amplified.
However, the regional sources of Haqqin.az deny this information meanwhile confirming the fact that in the school of Arbatan village watch system is introduced.
“The thing is that one day a Salafi came to school to sell “donyars” to children. He was not allowed to enter the school territory. This irritated him. Primary for this reason the decision to introduce watch system to the school has been made,” said the source denying the information about the threat of terrorist attacks.
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