Headscarf Ban Protests and Social Media Restrictions in Azerbaijan

Following protests and detentions sparked by the decision to ban headscarves in schools in Azerbaijan, access to social media platforms has been restricted in the country.

Headscarf Ban in Schools and Reactions

Following the Azerbaijani administration's decision to ban headscarves in schools, institutions began preventing students and teachers wearing headscarves from attending classes.

Some teachers and students held classes in the courtyards of the schools they were barred from entering, which sparked widespread protests and social media campaigns across the country.

Boycotts and Detention Procedures

Local media outlets reported that students at least two schools in Azerbaijan boycotted classes to protest the restrictions.

The Press Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that 37 people protesting the ban decision were detained on grounds of disrupting public order.

Social Media Restrictions and VPN Usage

While footage spread on social media showed students who were not allowed into schools hugging their teachers and crying, it was reported that internet outages were implemented in response to the growing criticism.

Users in Azerbaijan reported experiencing issues accessing social media, stating that these platforms only work through virtual private networks.