A wave of protests erupted in several cities and districts of Azerbaijan after female students wearing hijabs began refusing to attend classes. Students are boycotting lessons in support of their classmates, while parents insist on their children's right to education despite religious attire.
Amid these events, law enforcement detained 37 people. The cause was the requirements for school uniforms established by Cabinet of Ministers Decree No. 309 of September 21. Although the document itself does not contain an explicit ban on the hijab, its norms are practically applied to headscarves. It should be noted that the decree does not establish a separate sanction in the form of suspension from classes for non-compliance with dress code requirements.
According to JAM News, the protests took place near schools in Baku and other settlements. In some educational institutions, students staged a boycott, demanding permission for girls to attend lessons wearing hijabs. Parents also warned that they would not send other children to school if their classmates continued to be suspended.
On October 12, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced the detention of 37 individuals and the initiation of a criminal case under Article 233 of the Criminal Code, concerning the organization or active participation in actions that violate public order. According to the department, the detainees came into conflict with educational institution employees, caused damage to schools, and hindered the work of transport and staff.
The dispute over appearance requirements affected not only students but also teachers. After the approval of specific rules for teachers on October 6, reports emerged about pressure on female teachers who wear hijabs in Baku and Sumgayit. Local media reported that some educators were offered either to forgo the headscarf or to submit a resignation letter.
Authorities justify the introduction of restrictions by the need to maintain a unified dress code and preserve the secular nature of education. However, opponents of this ban argue that its application restricts children's access to education and violates freedom of religion.
The protest movement against these restrictions has spread beyond Azerbaijan. On October 3, a demonstration took place near the country's consulate in Istanbul, where participants protested measures related to wearing the hijab.