🇦🇿 AZERBAIJAN: 37 ARRESTED AS ANGER GROWS OVER SCHOOL HIJAB RESTRICTIONS “The headscarf violates the school uniform.” A school official in Azerbaijan was confronted over Muslim girls being prevented from attending classes because they wear the hijab. In the video, the woman cites a decision by the country's Cabinet of Ministers to justify the school's dress code, while the parent filming challenges her over the exclusion of headscarf-wearing pupils. The confrontation comes amid growing unrest over new school uniform regulations that effectively prohibit pupils and teachers from wearing the hijab in state schools. Azerbaijan's Interior Ministry has confirmed that 37 people have been detained following protests against the restrictions. Authorities accuse demonstrators of disrupting public order and clashing with school staff, while reports have also emerged of arson attacks targeting school property. Students have boycotted classes in solidarity with affected teachers and pupils, while some social media users have reported difficulties accessing platforms including Instagram and TikTok. The government insists the regulations are necessary to preserve the secular character of education and ensure uniformity in schools. However, critics say the restrictions violate religious freedom and effectively force Muslim girls to choose between observing their faith and receiving an education. Azerbaijan is a Muslim-majority country governed by a strongly secular state.