Azerbaijan deports foreign nationals for conducting illegal religious propaganda

Azerbaijani authorities have deported three foreign nationals accused of organizing illegal religious activities in violation of national laws, according to a joint statement issued by the State Security Service and the State Migration Service on Tuesday.

The individuals—Shaikh Muhammad Hanif (b. 1968), Kareem Bux (b. 1981), and Channa Taj Muhammad (b. 1968)—were identified as members of a foreign-based religious center. Authorities allege they were engaged in the propagation of non-traditional religious ideas and held unauthorized closed religious meetings and ceremonies across Azerbaijan.

Following an investigation, the agencies concluded that the individuals had breached the country’s Law on Freedom of Religious Belief. Their actions were deemed incompatible with Azerbaijan’s legal and public order standards concerning religious activities.

As a result, all three were deported under Article 79.1.2 of the Migration Code, which allows for the removal of foreigners who violate the terms of residence by engaging in prohibited activities.

The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public order and preventing the spread of unregulated religious influence. No further details were released regarding the religious center or the locations of the activities.

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