Baku orders arrests in absentia of three Russians over terror appeals

Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office has charged three Russian citizens over public calls for the forcible change of the country’s constitutional order, violation of its territorial integrity, incitement of national hatred and terrorism.

The charges stem from an ongoing pre-trial investigation into statements made during broadcasts on the “Semyon Uralov” YouTube channel, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The suspects have been identified as Ivan Knyazev, a journalist and presenter with Moscow 24; Semyon Uralov, who presents himself as a political consultant and media expert; and Aleksey Chadayev, a television journalist and correspondent who also serves as an adviser to Russia’s transport minister.

According to investigators, the three men made calls advocating violent measures against Azerbaijan, including the forcible change of the country’s constitutional order and violation of its territorial integrity, during the “Clarity of Understanding” program broadcast on July 14, 2026.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said the suspects also made public calls for terrorism during another broadcast on August 13, while discussing the use of violence against Azerbaijan, including threats of physical elimination and targeted killings of certain individuals.

A criminal case was launched under Articles 214-2, 281.2 and 283.2.1 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, covering public calls for terrorism, public calls directed against the state, and incitement of national hatred and enmity, respectively.

Based on the evidence collected, Uralov, Knyazev and Chadayev were formally charged under the three articles.

As the suspects are outside Azerbaijan, a court ordered their arrest in absentia, and they have been placed on an international wanted list. The Prosecutor General’s Office said it has also asked international partners to assist in securing the suspects’ surrender.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said it would take “decisive legal measures” against unlawful acts directed at Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, constitutional order and territorial integrity, in accordance with national legislation and the country’s international obligations.

By Vafa Guliyeva