Armenia (International Christian Concern) — In the city of Sumgait, Azerbaijan, government officials have refused to approve Peace Church’s application for official registration, thereby preventing the congregation from holding gatherings legally. Freedom House ranked the country’s freedom at 7 out of 100. While the constitution upholds religious freedom, the law requires religious groups to be approved by the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, warning that they will be fined or imprisoned if they operate unapproved.