Azerbaijani journalist accuses Russian authorities of torture, cover-up in Yekaterinburg deaths

An Azerbaijani journalist, whose two brothers died following a raid by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in the city of Yekaterinburg, has accused the Russian authorities of torture and attempting to conceal the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Seyfaddin Huseynli told reporters that the bodies of Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov showed clear signs of torture, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

According to Huseynli, large crowds had gathered at the airport in Azerbaijan to pay their respects and express their anger over the incident.

“Afterwards, a forensic examination was carried out in Azerbaijan, organised by a team of specialists. I believe that whatever we achieve in this matter will only be possible thanks to the strength of our state," Huseynli said.

“I personally took part in identifying the bodies. While I cannot interfere in the investigative process, I can say with certainty as a witness: the condition of my brothers’ bodies, the numerous signs of torture and injuries, clearly indicate they were subjected to brutal torture.”

He rejected the initial claim made by Russian authorities that the men had died of heart attacks triggered by stress, despite being in stable condition.

“That is a blatant lie—fabrication,” Huseynli added.

He also confirmed that a farewell ceremony would take place at their family home in Aghjabadi.

Commenting on the situation of other detainees, Huseynli said several individuals remain in pre-trial detention, including his 61-year-old brother Zakir Mehdi oglu Safarov.

“There is a fabricated judicial process being conducted against them,” he said.

“Although the 72-hour detention period set by the court has expired, I suspect obstacles are being deliberately created to prevent his release. I hope that will not be the case. I believe that if we achieve anything in this case, it will be thanks to the strength of our state.”

On June 27, officers from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) conducted a raid on residences occupied by Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and the detention of several others.

The following day, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement concerning the incident and summoned the Russian Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Baku, Pyotr Volokovikh, for an explanation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev