22:03, 15 December 2004

Debates about publication of Hitler's Mein Kampf

Commenting on the publication of Hitler's book Mein Kampf, head of the community of Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan Semyon Iikhilov stated that it could adversely affect the attitude towards Jews in Azerbaijan and Islamic extremists could use it. According to Mr Iikhilov, he has already sent forms of address concerning the publication to the parliament, the Azerbaijan president, the Spiritual Administration of Moslems of the Caucasus, and law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, Avaz Zeinally, the publisher of the book and editor-in-chief of the Khural newspaper, gives evidence at the Azerbaijan State Security Ministry in the criminal case opened under the article "inciting national and religious hatred". Mr Zeinally thinks that he and the newspaper stuff are in danger. "Recently we've received phone calls with threats addressed to me. I feel that forces willing to get even with us have appeared. Therefore I have to ask Azerbaijan law enforcement agencies to provide safety," the publisher said.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent