Elchin Askerov: "Amendments to the Constitution will improve the legislative ground for prevention of the activity of destructive "religious groups"

The amendments regarding the religious literature and religious trends to be put for the March referendum will correct the legislative basis to prevent the activity of the destructive so-called religious groups, said deputy chairman of the state committee of Azerbaijan on works with religious organizations Elchin Askerov.

According to him there are destructive religious groups, regardless of faith, both Christian and Muslim and others that in their activity adhere to totalitarian methods, sometimes using even psychotropic substances of influence on people.

"We have heard of the cults, trends and sects, whose followers became either patients of psychiatrists or even were reduced to suicide. I do not even speak of the socially dangerous inclinations. And sometimes it is difficult to draw an exact line between freedom of religion and attempts to prevent activity of such groups. These amendments are intended to allow draw this line in a legislative order when necessary. And in this case there will not be violation of rights of religious people. Even in France, which is considered by some people as a cradle of democracy, the state bodies were allowed to fight with destructive cults and religious groups in 2000".

At the same time, he said there will be very strong changes in the religious policy of the state after these amendments and alterations as these amendments are mostly for correction.

"All main moments are reflected in the Law on freedom of faith. Perhaps, there will be some amendments to this law in the future in the light of amendments to the Constitution of the country", said Askerov.

/Day.Az/