A/55/280 their enquiries, it transpired that I. Yuzbekov was present in Azerbaijani territory illegally, having failed to complete the registration procedures in his place of residence. Furthermore, it was established that I. Yuzbekov was engaging in religious propaganda, in violation of the procedures established by the Azerbaijani Act on freedom of religion. Instead of drawing the obvious conclusions from the justified observations of the police regarding his violation of Azerbaijani law, I. Yuzbekov was rude and insubordinate towards the police officers. The documentation gathered by the police concerning the administrative offences committed by I. Yuzbekov was transmitted to the Khachmas district court. Having found I. Yuzbekov guilty of violating the regulations on registration of passports, the court fined him 16,500 manats (or US$ 4). At the same time, the court sentenced I. Yuzbekov to 15 days’ detention for rudeness and insubordination in respect of the legitimate orders of the police. The other documentation gathered on the activities of I. Yuzbekov and the publications that he was carrying are currently in the Khachmas district prosecutor’s office. 57. With regard to the dismissal of Jehovah’s Witnesses because of their beliefs (see para. 11 above), the information transmitted is reflected in the context of the reply of Azerbaijan to the communication summarized above. It was stated, inter alia, that: In the film entitled Tarigat, which was broadcast on the independent channel Space, on 16 August 1999, information was provided on certain religious organizations engaging in illegal activities in the Republic of Azerbaijan and, in particular, on the disobedience of the members of the religious sect of Jehovah’s Witnesses towards the authorities. It was in response to questions by the television channel Space that the press service of the Ministry of National Security turned over the relevant documentation concerning the illegal activities of this sect. Brunei Darussalam 58. With regard to the status of women in Brunei Darussalam (see document E/CN.4/2000/65, para. 19), the Government replied as follows: In the Government’s view, the allegations have failed to reflect Brunei Darussalam’s existing policies, which safeguard and strongly uphold the importance of family institutions and harmony. To this effect, as the role of women is crucial, any discrimination against women is contrary to such policies. In addition, women in Brunei Darussalam enjoy equal opportunity in education, employment and economic activities, as well as the right to health care. Women hold many senior government positions and are involved in the policy-making process of the country. Concerning the allegations that some laws in Brunei Darussalam that are based on Koranic precepts are not gender-sensitive, the Government would like to state that the family law for Muslims is currently governed by the Religious and Kadis Court Act, CAP. 77 (1955). This Act contains the provision that a married woman may apply to a Kadi for a divorce. At the same time, the Government is in the process of legislating provisions in line with shariah law, in the form of the draft Emergency (Islamic Family Law) Order, which will further enhance the position of women with regard to matters concerning the rights of Muslim women, including matters relating to marriage, custody of children, property and inheritance. As for the non-Muslims in Brunei Darussalam, they are still governed by English family law (Matrimonial Causes Act) and the country’s Emergency (Married Women) Order, 1999, as well as the Emergency (Guardianship of Infants) Order, 1999. With regard to the allegation that the Nationality Act provides that only men transmit citizenship, the Government would like to clarify that the Brunei Nationality Act provides that the minor child of any subject of His Majesty may be registered as a subject of His Majesty upon application made in the prescribed manner by a parent or guardian of the child. The Government would also like to point out that this has no religious connotation. In this regard, the Government wishes to emphasize that any limitation prescribed by law is necessary to protect our own national interests and sovereign rights. 13

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