OIC Condemns Israeli Bill Banning Azan

Jeddah (ANTARA) - The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the initial approval by the Israeli Knesset of a draft bill aimed at banning the call to prayer, known as the “Muazin Law.”

The OIC considers the bill null and void, describing it as a discriminatory and racist legislative action that flagrantly violates the freedom of religion and worship, as well as the cultural and religious rights guaranteed under international law and international human rights law.

The OIC stated that the bill marks a dangerous escalation in a series of Israeli laws, decisions, and policies targeting Palestinian presence and Arab and Islamic identity.

According to the organisation, this constitutes a direct attack on the rituals and holy sites of Islam.

Furthermore, the OIC emphasised that restricting the Adhan contradicts 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 practice religious rituals freely without discrimination or restriction.

The OIC urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, UN specialised agencies, and all relevant international parties, to take urgent action to halt Israel’s illegal actions and policies. The organisation called for the repeal of the bill and other discriminatory laws, the assurance of respect for freedom of worship and the protection of Islamic holy sites, and for Israel, as an occupying power, to be held accountable for ongoing violations of international and international legitimacy.