Muslims, Law and Religious Freedom in Albania
Authors : Jochen TÖPFER
Pages : 83-121
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Publication Date : 2019-06-30
Article Type : Research
Abstract :Freedom of religion is commonly defined in the three dimensions as the freedom to choose, not to have, or to criticise religion. Hereby, social, political, and legal regulations are main forces limiting and enabling the exercise of this specific human right. Hence, the following article describes the current situation of relationships in the triangle of state, law, and religious organizations in Albania, focussing on the major institutions and issues. The basic and underlying assumption is that a high level of willingness to religious harmony and integrative behaviour exists on the side of organized religions, which is met by the state in a regulatory basis favouring acknowledged communities and a significant delay in decision-making and implementation processes. These findings are also valid for the assessment of the relationship between the state as a guarantor of religious freedom and Muslims organizations.Keywords : Albania, Islam, Religious Freedom