Azerbaijan denies hijab restrictions in medical institutions and warns against fake documents

Yesterday 15:00

By: Azzat Manal

Azerbaijan denies hijab restrictions in medical institutions and warns against fake documents

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Health has rejected claims that it introduced restrictions on wearing the hijab in medical institutions, describing a document circulating online as fraudulent. In a joint statement issued on Thursday with the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, the ministry said it had neither produced the alleged document nor instructed healthcare facilities to limit religious head coverings.

The denial followed the spread of an image presented as an official ministry communication on social media platforms and messaging applications. The document purportedly outlined restrictions on wearing the hijab in medical settings, prompting the authorities to warn that presenting fabricated material as an authentic government notice could mislead the public.

The media regulator urged journalists and social media users to verify information through official sources before sharing it. It also cautioned against circulating the disputed document as genuine or contributing to the spread of misleading claims.

The clarification comes amid wider controversy over school uniform regulations in Azerbaijan. Amendments introduced in September tightened rules governing students’ appearance in public schools, requiring compliance with standardised dress codes and the secular character of the education system. Although the regulations do not explicitly mention the hijab, their application has raised concerns among some families and observers about their impact on students who wear it.

Azerbaijani lawmaker Jeyhun Mammadov has said the reforms are intended to reduce religious, ethnic, social and economic distinctions within educational institutions. However, the implementation of the uniform requirements has generated public debate over the relationship between secular education, uniform standards and religious expression.

The dispute has also had repercussions beyond Azerbaijan. Authorities in Baku reported detaining 37 people in connection with incidents surrounding protests over the school dress code. According to the Interior Ministry, some individuals allegedly clashed with education-sector staff, damaged public educational facilities and attempted to obstruct traffic and the operation of schools.

The ministry said a criminal case had been opened under Article 233 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, which concerns the organisation of or participation in actions that disrupt public order. Officials said the measures were intended to protect students and teachers and ensure that educational institutions could continue operating normally.

Local media, meanwhile, reported that the number of people detained exceeded 200, substantially higher than the official figure. That larger estimate has not been independently verified.

The health ministry’s statement draws a distinction between the disputed medical-sector document and the separate school uniform controversy. As debate over the dress code continues, the authorities have called on the public to rely on verified information and avoid treating unconfirmed claims as official policy.