Azerbaijan police detain 88 people in Nardaran over hijab protests

Security forces in Azerbaijan have reportedly detained 88 individuals in the Nardaran settlement near Baku following protests against new regulations restricting the use of headscarves in schools. The crackdown follows the implementation of rules in September aimed at upholding secularism in the education system.

Reports indicate that masked and armed police conducted raids in the early hours of the morning, targeting individuals who participated in meetings protesting the hijab ban. Among those detained are women, elderly residents, and several prominent local figures. Some detainees have reportedly been placed under administrative arrest, while others face criminal investigations.

Local residents and media outlets have raised concerns regarding the conduct of security forces. Allegations include the mistreatment of detainees and threats made to families, with claims that relatives were warned of potential torture if they spoke to the media. As of now, Azerbaijani authorities have not released a comprehensive official statement regarding the exact number of detainees or the specific legal charges being pursued.