Religious minorities in the central Asian country of Azerbaijan have been warned “not to complain to foreigners,” according to a recent report from Keston News Service. But in the wake of further violations of religious freedom in that country, Jonathan Gallagher, the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s United Nations representative, says that persecuted religious groups cannot remain silent.

In the Keston report, Rafik Aliev, chairman of the State Committee for Relations with Religious Organizations, is quoted as warning believers not to complain. “Why do you complain to international organizations?” he asked. “We’re here to help you.”

Gallagher disputes this claim. “There is a double standard being applied by the Azerbaijani government in closing churches, yet claiming to be ‘helping’ religious minorities,” says Gallagher. “The illegal closure of an Adventist church, as well as the ongoing intimidation and harassment of many other faith communities in Azerbaijan, clearly demonstrate the official policy toward religious minorities. Now we are being told to keep quiet and not report such violations. Such actions are in clear contravention of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which Azerbaijan is signatory.”

The illegal closure of the Adventist church in Gyanja on February 26 has drawn widespread condemnation. The church pastor called members of the State Committee and provided full details of what had happened. One State Committee member even called local authorities and told them not to restrict the activities of the Adventist church. However the closure remains in place and Aliev reportedly professes to know nothing of the incident.

Adventist religious liberty leader John Graz visited Azerbaijan last December and spoke at a religious symposium. “Beyond our differences,” he said in his presentation, “we have to build a better world for all. A world where everyone will be free to choose their beliefs according to the dictates of their conscience: a world where our children and grandchildren won’t be persecuted, discriminated against, or harmed because of their religion, color, or gender. For the moment, problems which motivated our visit should find a solution in constructive dialogue between religious minorities, the government, and the media.”