Azerbaijan passes stricter measures against religious extremism New rules for special operations approved

Proposed amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences, discussed in today's Milli Majlis meeting, reveal heightened fines and longer administrative arrest terms for violations of the legal regime in special operations zones targeting religious extremism.

As per the draft law, individuals found violating restrictions on the distribution of medications containing narcotic or psychotropic substances within these zones face fines ranging from AZN200 to AZN300 (previously AZN50 to AZN80), with the possibility of up to one month of administrative arrest (formerly 15 days) if deemed necessary considering the circumstances and the offender's profile, Report indicates.

For officials, fines escalate from AZN450 to 700 (previously AZN450 to 650), while legal entities face penalties of AZN2,000 to 3,000.

After deliberations, the draft law underwent voting and was adopted in the third reading.