37 detained during protests over new school uniform rules in Azerbaijan

Thirty-seven people were detained in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, amid protests against new school uniform rules, CentralAsia.media reported, citing the Minval news outlet. According to the report, protesters clashed with school staff and attempted to disrupt the operation of schools and traffic.

Minval reported that a car belonging to a school principal was set on fire in Baku’s Garadagh district. An attempt to set fire to a school was also reported in the Yasamal district. No injuries were reported in either incident.

Disruptions to Instagram and TikTok were also reported amid the protests.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 233 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, which concerns organizing or actively participating in actions that lead to a breach of public order. The article carries a maximum prison sentence of up to three years.

What are Azerbaijan’s new school uniform rules?

The Azerbaijani government approved new school uniform regulations on September 21. Under the rules, students are prohibited from attending classes in clothing deemed inconsistent with the secular character of education or with the requirements for a standardized school uniform. Similar requirements were extended to teachers from October 6.

Inspections to check compliance began in schools on October 12. According to the APA news agency, students whose clothing did not meet the requirements took part in discussions involving school doctors and psychologists. Their parents were also invited to schools for explanations.

Authorities say the restrictions are intended to promote equality among students and maintain a neutral educational environment.

Sevinj Fataliyeva, a member of Azerbaijan’s parliament, said standardized uniforms could help reduce social and religious differences among children. She argued that the rules should be viewed not as a campaign against religious belief, but as a measure to protect neutrality in education.