Azerbaijan: rare protests over hijab ban in schools

The ban specifically targets clothing deemed "incompatible with the secular principles of general education". While the regulation doesn't explicitly mention Islamic hijab, reports confirm that girls and teachers wearing the head covering have been prevented from entering schools.

The policy has ignited unusual public demonstrations in Azerbaijan, a country where the vast majority of citizens—96%—are Muslim. The government's stance on religious expression in educational institutions has clearly struck a nerve with many citizens.