OIC Condemns Israeli Bill Seeking To Ban Azan Call

JEDDAH: The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the preliminary approval by the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) of a bill to ban the azan call.

The Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA) reported that the bill is known as the “Muazzin Law”.

The OIC described the proposed bill as null and void, while stating that it is a discriminatory and racist legislative measure.

It is also a blatant violation of freedom of religion and worship, as well as cultural and religious rights guaranteed under international law and international human rights law.

According to the OIC, the bill marks a dangerous escalation in the series of Israeli laws, decisions and policies targeting the existence of the Palestinian people as well as Arab and Islamic identity.

It is also described as a direct attack on Islamic symbols and Muslim holy sites.

The organisation stressed that restrictions on the azan call violate Israel’s obligations under international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international instruments that protect the right to freely practise religious rites without discrimination or restriction.

The OIC also urged the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN), its specialised agencies, and all relevant international parties, to take immediate action to halt Israel’s unlawful measures and policies, and to cancel the proposed bill and other discriminatory laws.

Such action, according to the OIC, is crucial to ensure that freedom of worship is respected, to protect Islamic holy sites, and to ensure that Israel, as the occupying power, is held accountable for its ongoing violations of international law and the principles of international legitimacy.

Berita Harian