Azerbaijani students in Russia targeted for alleged interethnic discord Should Rossotrudnichestvo be banned?

What happened on November 14 of this year at the Moscow University of Finance and Law (MFUA) under the Government of the Russian Federation is not an accident, but a pattern. Too many signs suggest that this is a coordinated anti-Azerbaijani campaign. Let’s break it down.

At the aforementioned university, a student festival titled "My Homeland: Big and Small" was held. As part of this event, students from various universities, representing the Azerbaijani diaspora, participated to support the Azerbaijani Club at MFUA.

Everything, as observed, was in line with the event's stated theme. Among the guests were also students from MFUA. After the event, they chanted "Long live Azerbaijan." The slogan was appropriate. Azerbaijanis, regardless of their country of study, work, or temporary or permanent residence, have always been and remain patriotic. This is particularly significant given Azerbaijan's leadership in many key areas within the South Caucasus region.

Azerbaijan is the only country in the post-Soviet space that has successfully restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity through military and political means. This achievement likely unsettles certain forces in Russia, who view the region through an imperial lens and seek to instil fear and compliance among all independent states of the former Soviet Union.

Nevertheless, two days after the student festival concluded, what can only be described as a provocation began. Materials began circulating on social media, featuring crude editing. A narrative was spread suggesting that Azerbaijani students had allegedly chanted "Cut the Russians, Azerbaijan." Only someone completely disconnected from the realities of Russia could believe that anyone would openly advocate for such a statement, not only in Moscow but also at a student festival, in front of a large crowd.

Despite this, the Russian Investigative Committee (SK) has launched an investigation. A criminal case has been opened under Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Public calls for terrorist activities"). Chairman of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin has instructed that a report on the progress of the investigation be presented to him. This signals how the situation is being artificially escalated. Yes, it is evident how the cart is being placed before the horse. Despite the complete absence of anything criminal, let alone subversive, in the actions of the Azerbaijani students, criminal cases have already been initiated.

In connection with the spread of information claiming that a rally with calls for interethnic strife was held at the university, MFUA published an official statement, noting that the university's leadership is conducting an internal investigation. While there is certainly value in this investigation, it would have been more appropriate to conduct it without the premature knowledge that the Russian Investigative Committee had already opened criminal cases on the matter. But this was not all.

Social media platforms and some news websites are actively hosting resources aimed at inciting interethnic strife. These Telegram channels and news sites deliberately spread false information and manipulate public opinion, creating a distorted view of the situation. This, in turn, heightens tensions between ethnic groups, particularly between Azerbaijanis and other peoples of Russia.

As a result of this approach, hatred and mistrust are being fueled in society, which, in turn, could lead to serious consequences for social stability. This is completely unacceptable. After all, this is not the case in Azerbaijan, and it never has been, nor will it ever be. Could anyone attempt to use statements made by students from Russia or any other country for clear manipulation and the incitement of interethnic strife? No, this does not happen in Azerbaijan.

In Azerbaijan, people of various nationalities live peacefully and happily together. Michael Zabelin, the head of the Russian Community of Azerbaijan, has served as a member of the Milli Majlis in multiple convocations. Moreover, in the heart of Baku, there is a branch of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo). While this organization is banned in many other former Soviet countries, in Azerbaijan it conducts cultural events.

Observing the aggressive anti-Azerbaijani campaign unfolding in Russia, a legitimate question arises: should the activities of Rossotrudnichestvo be banned in Azerbaijan as well? There is clear disrespect for Azerbaijan, its people, and its culture, and hatred is being stirred against Azerbaijan based on entirely fabricated and false claims.

This situation brings to mind many troubling issues. For years, Russian television has broadcasted a distorted image of Azerbaijan. Furthermore, during the 44-day war, retired Russian military personnel fought alongside Armenia. It is not in Azerbaijan, but in Russia, where nationalist marches are held. In Russia, there have been instances of forced detentions and the sending of members of national diasporas, including Azerbaijanis, to fight in the war in Ukraine.

These developments are clear to see, and there is much to say. However, the approach is to avoid allowing emotions to dictate responses, even in situations where anti-Azerbaijani provocation is overt. The preference is to allow time for those responsible for such actions to consider the consequences of their steps. Nevertheless, patience is not unlimited. No one, anywhere, is permitted to insult Azerbaijan and its people, or to launch campaigns of lies and defamation against us. This applies to Russia as well.