May 12, one of the influential Iranian religious leaders ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi criticized the destruction of Shiite mosques in Baku.

Azerbaijan has been informed of the religous leaders' stance in the matter. If Azerbaijan does not stop the practice, an order to resist the destruction will be given, Naser Makarem Shirazi said, RFE/RL reports. According to him, the Azerbaijani authorities should be aware that Shiites are expecting a fatwah from their religious leaders. If there is a fatwah, Shiites will fulfill it.

Earlier ayatollah Safi Golpaygani called on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to prevent the destruction of the Fatimeyi Zahra mosque.

A.G.