School officials across Azerbaijan have been turning away girls wearing hijabs following the introduction of new government dress regulations, sparking protests across the country. Police have detained dozens of people amid the protests, while Instagram and TikTok users have reported difficulties accessing the platforms as public criticism of the restrictions has grown.

Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers amended school uniform regulations on September 21, prohibiting clothing "inconsistent with the principle of secular education." Although the regulations do not explicitly mention hijabs, schools began refusing entry to girls wearing headscarfs when the rules took effect on October 12. News reports showed distressed girls after being turned away from schools.

Separate dress requirements adopted on October 6 also affected teachers.

Authorities responded to the protests with widespread detentions.…