The Government Restricts On Religious Associations

The Parliament’s Youth and Sport Committee has maintained the restrictive procedures for the creation of civil society associations and their relations to foreign organizations.

In fact, the committee has rejected the amendments on the bill of civil society associations submitted by MPs, as the latter suggested abolishing the Article 3 stipulating attributing the creation of associations of religious character to a separate authority, “on the pretext of safeguarding the country’s stability.”   

However, the committee has also maintained Article 23 which stipulates that local associations intending to adhere to foreign organizations should first notify the Minister of Interior, as “to avoid any activity that may threat the stability of the nation.” 

MPs said the bill on civil society associations may highlights the intention of the government to restrict on the liberty of both the creation and the activity of associations of religious character, including mosque associations. 

The committee has made a little amendment on the Article 31, as the latter stipulates that local associations can get financial support from foreign organizations only after having green light from authorities. 

MPs have submitted 92 amendments, including the abolition of Article 35 which stipulates that associations of public service can get financial aids from authorities.