Protests · UB-156
Azerbaijan: 37 arrested as pupils and parents protest new school rules seen as a hijab ban
Published 17-10-2026 · UB-156 · 🇦🇿 · ✓ 3 linked sources
Zohrab Javad / CC BY-SA 4.0Pupils boycotted lessons and teachers held classes outdoors after uniform rules that critics say bar girls in headscarves from state schools.
Protests have spread across Azerbaijan over new school rules that parents and religious believers say amount to a ban on the hijab. Pupils demonstrated outside schools and boycotted lessons in solidarity with girls who were allegedly turned away for wearing Islamic headscarves, AFP reported on 12-10-2026.
Resolution No. 309, adopted on 21-09-2026, changed school uniform rules, and Resolution No. 325 of 06-10-2026 set appearance rules for teachers, the Caucasian Knot reported. Neither mentions the hijab directly, but the rules ban clothing that conflicts with the uniform or with secular education. Authorities cite discipline, equality and secular schooling.
The Interior Ministry said 37 people were arrested and a criminal investigation opened into disturbing public order. It said people in Baku confronted school staff, damaged schools and tried to disrupt classes. Activists say more than 200 were detained. Teachers at several Baku schools held lessons outdoors on 12-10-2026, and users reported problems reaching Instagram and TikTok.
President Ilham Aliyev said no one should interfere in Azerbaijan's way of life. Headscarf restrictions also triggered protests and arrests in 2010 to 2012.