Cue you me in on Democratic, Respecting Human Rights, Modernist, Islamic Countries?
That suggests to me the issue is more about authoritarian governments than it is the particular religion the authorization govt is tied to.
Honestly, I'd feel much less endangered as a secular progressive in Azerbaijan than I would in - say - Alabama.
[1] https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-...
Definitely not anywhere in MENA