Hijab riots in Azerbaijan: 37 arrested - and what's the connection to Iran?

Protests against restrictions on wearing hijabs in Azerbaijani schools led to clashes and the arrest of 37 people. Local media reported property damage, the burning of a school administrator's car, and suspicion of Iran-linked elements fueling the protests. The Interior Ministry has opened a criminal investigation.

Protests against restrictions on wearing hijabs in Azerbaijani schools led to clashes with educational staff and the arrest of 37 people, the Interior Ministry announced. Local media reported shattered windows, damaged doors, and a school principal's car set on fire in the Garadagh district. Published footage shows women in headscarves arguing at a school entrance and chants of "Get out!" Meanwhile, Azerbaijani media accused Iran-linked elements of trying to stoke the events. APA news agency reported similarities between the slogans and the rhetoric of extremist circles in Iran, and channels linked to the Revolutionary Guards are accused of spreading propaganda. The backdrop is new dress code rules approved by the government on September 21, banning items that harm uniform consistency or the principle of secularism. The hijab is not explicitly mentioned in the decision's text. Baku's education authority confirmed that students and teachers who did not meet the requirements were not allowed into classes. The Interior Ministry has opened a criminal investigation for organizing actions that disrupt public order.