04 October 2008, 20:09
In Azerbaijan, "Abu-Bekr" Mosque litigates with authorities
On October 3, the Nariman Court of Baku accepted to proceedings the claim of Gammet Suleimanov, Imam of "Abu-Bekr" Mosque, lodged against the Police Department of the Nariman District of the capital of Azerbaijan.
The claim runs that after the terror act accomplished in the Mosque on August 17, policemen of the Nariman District closed the Mosque for believers referring to some order. However, the order was not presented to believers or to the Imam. At the same time, the Ministry of National Security told the claimant's party that no such order does ever existed.
Imam Suleimanov demands to re-open the Mosque and to present the written police order on closing it. He has also stated that his community members are worried with the Mosque closing. "We'd hoped that we'd be able to make celebratory namaz on the end of Ramadan in 'Abu-Bekr', but, unfortunately, this is not the case," said Imam Suleimanov.
According to the churchman, to restart the operation of the Mosque, a permit from the State Committee for Work with Religious Entities is needed. The believers have addressed the State Committee for five times already, but received no answer.
Author: Rafael Gasanov, CK correspondent
