Azerbaijani family speaks out as Russia denies torture in Yekaterinburg killings

Seyfaddin Huseynli, brother of the two Azerbaijani nationals killed in Yekaterinburg, has condemned the Russian authorities’ refusal to acknowledge the gravity of the incident, describing it as an attempt to obscure a grave atrocity.

Speaking to journalists, Huseynli emphasized that not only his family but the entire Azerbaijani nation is enduring a period of profound sorrow following the deaths, which he attributes to torture inflicted by the Russian regime, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“The Russian side does not want to recognise this atrocity. Thanks to the promptness and determination of our state, a great tragedy was prevented. We are facing a terrible regime,” Huseynli stated. He expressed deep gratitude to Azerbaijan’s government, diplomatic corps, and diaspora for their swift and unwavering support during this crisis.

Highlighting ongoing developments, Huseynli also referenced a recent law enforcement operation at the Sputnik Azerbaijan office,  viewing it as a symbolic and strategic response which provided him with a measure of solace.

“Our state has demonstrated a resolute stance. Russia's spy network operating under the guise of media has been exposed,” he affirmed.

The early morning raid, which began around 5:00 a.m. (GMT+3) on June 27, involved FSB operatives and members of the Special Rapid Response Unit (SOBR). The operation targeted the Safarov family—originally from Aghdam, Azerbaijan—who ran “Kaspi” restaurant in Yekaterinburg.

The violent nature of the operation left Huseyn Safarov, an Azerbaijani citizen, and Ziyaddin Safarov, a Russian citizen, dead. Several others sustained serious injuries, and nine members of the family were detained. The operation was described as violent, with reports of beatings, torture with electric shocks, and degrading treatment, such as forcing detainees to “eat mud” in transport vehicles.

By Vafa Guliyeva