OKI Condemns Israeli Bill Banning Azan as Racist and Violating International Law

The congregation crowded the Al Aqsa Mosque Complex. (Source: WAFA)

JAKARTA - The Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the Israeli draft law (RUU) that would ban the azan as a racist act and a violation of international law.

OKI described the bill as null and void, calling it a discriminatory and racist legislative act that is 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.

OKI said the bill marked a dangerous escalation in a series of Israeli laws, decisions and policies that target the Palestinian existence and Arab and Islamic identity, adding that it was a direct attack on the practice of Islamic religious worship and holy sites, launching WAFA (2/2).

Israel's parliament (Knesset) on Wednesday approved a bill to ban the broadcast of the call to prayer through loudspeakers, according to Israeli media, quoted by Anadolu.

Israeli newspaper Hayom reported that the Knesset approved the bill in a preliminary reading to tighten enforcement of the law against what it described as "mosque noise."

The bill was passed by a 50-36 vote in the 120-member parliament, according to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

Meanwhile, according to Israel's Channel 14, the bill stipulates that no sound system may be installed or operated in any mosque without prior written permission.

Introduced by the Otzma Yehudit Party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the bill is supported by the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party of right-wing politician Avigdor Lieberman.

OKI emphasized that restrictions on azan violated 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 practice religious rituals without discrimination or restriction.

OKI calls on the international community, in particular the United Nations, UN special agencies, and all relevant international parties, to take urgent action to stop Israel's illegal actions and policies, repeal discriminatory laws and other laws, ensure respect for freedom of worship and protection of Islamic holy sites, and hold Israel, as an occupying power, accountable for its continued violations of international law and international legitimacy.

Meanwhile, the head of the Palestinian National Council Rawhi Fattouh described the move as "crime" and "legislative terrorism."

"This is a blatant violation of freedom of worship and belief," Fattouh said in a statement.

The bill must pass three additional readings before becoming law.

Banning the azan through loudspeakers will effectively eliminate the purpose, because the azan serves to inform Muslims about the coming of prayer time, not just as a ritual read in the mosque.