Azerbaijani diaspora in Moscow Region faces possible disbandment “A threat to national security”

The Azerbaijani diaspora community in Russia’s Moscow region is reportedly facing dissolution due to growing challenges and a lack of willingness among members to continue their activities under current conditions.

Elshan Ibrahimov, the former head of the organisation who was recently stripped of his Russian citizenship and deported from Russia, told Gazeta.Ru that the diaspora is seen as a “threat to national security.” He indicated that the group is likely to be disbanded, noting, “In the current situation, no one wants to work.”

In June 2025, tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan sharply escalated following a police operation in Yekaterinburg targeting the Azerbaijani community. The crackdown led to the detention of around 50 ethnic Azerbaijanis, with reports of mistreatment and the deaths of two brothers from injuries sustained during the raid. This incident triggered outrage in Azerbaijan and a diplomatic crisis between the two countries, including reciprocal arrests and media restrictions. 

By Vugar Khalilov