The first ever European Games began on 13 June in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
Even as the Games started, the Organisation of Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) which has a responsibility to oversee fair elections, due this Autumn, was given one month to halt its operations in the country. Azerbaijan’s famously repressive regime makes life difficult for all its citizens, including Christians.
Although the constitution is relatively flexible towards Christians, frequent amendments cause problems for believers. Registered churches are subjected to regular and obligatory re-registration, and each time fewer churches register, choosing instead to go underground. Most Christians meet in unregistered locations, such as rented halls or private homes, but know the regime may strike at any moment. Foreigners are not allowed to visit unregistered churches and hefty fines are handed out for possession of religious literature or unregistered activities. Infiltration of churches and short prison sentences are also used to fuel suspicions and infighting.
