Muslim Turks rap Quran courses age ban
Children read Qurans as activists demonstrate against a regulation banning children under the age of 12 from participating in Quran courses in mosques in front of Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara, Turkey, August 20, 2011.
A group of Turkish Muslims have demonstrated in the capital city of Ankara in protest over the age restriction that prevents children under 12 from attending Qur'an courses.
The protesters gathered in Kocatepe Mosque on Saturday, calling for an end to the age restriction law, IRNA reported.
Chanting slogans in support of Quran courses for children, the demonstrators urged Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to live up to his commitments.
A spokesman for the protesters said the restriction on teaching Islam's holy book to children was against civil liberties and a violation of human rights.
Turkey's Freedom Association (Ozgur Der), which organized the Saturday protest, has announced plans to hold similar rallies in 20 more provinces across the country.
In July, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said, “We will do what is necessary for Turkey to get rid of such a shame that prevents children learning the book of their own religion. We will change this sloppy law this legislative term and solve the problem.”
AO/ MYA/HRF
