Churches in Azerbaijan are facing increasing challenges as a result of government fears over religious extremism, Release International has warned.
It says there is growing pressure on Christians in the former Soviet republic and that tough new regulations have made it difficult for churches to complete the necessary registration.
The law was changed in 2009 requiring religious organisations to re-register with the authorities. Release says the registration process is "mired in bureaucracy" and that applications are often refused.
Churches without the proper registration are considered illegal by the authorities and exposed to crippling fines. Read more
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