OSCE concerned by problems of head-scarfed women

Coordinator of the Center for Defense of Religious Belief and Freedom of Consciousness Ilqar Ibrahimoglu voiced concern on rise in facts of violation of civil and political rights of women believers at a news conference at the Baku Press Club on Thursday.

Over 3,000 complaints have been submitted to the Center over the past 5 years, Mr. Ibrahimoglu said. In particular, the head-geared women face with problems in entrance to universities, official registration in the place of residence, employment, medical examination abroad, as well as marriage due to artificial obstacles in issuing of passports for them.

Mr. Ibrahimoglu noted monitoring has been held in several regions with support from the OSCE Baku Office since May as the women believers are deprived of rights to elect and being elected. Moreover, OSCE experts will arrive in Baku next week, he stressed.

The Center had to face twice with the Visa and Passport Registration Department of the Interior Ministry in accordance with a passport problem, and succeeded in winning the case.