Baku removes "Russian House" signage over legal violations VIDEO

Authorities in Baku have begun removing signs and inscriptions from the building of the "Russian House," the Russian Information and Cultural Centre in Azerbaijan.

Part of the centre's name in Russian has already been taken down, Caliber.Az reports via local media agency.

The move follows Azerbaijan's announcement that the "Russian House," which operates as a representative office of Rossotrudnichestvo, lacked legal registration as an entity and was in violation of Azerbaijani law. On February 3, Baku formally notified Moscow of the termination of the center’s activities.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry stated that the operation of foreign cultural organizations within its borders is regulated by national legislation, reciprocity principles, and bilateral agreements. Given the decision to halt the activities of the "Russian House," the Azerbaijani government expects Russia to take corresponding steps.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada reaffirmed that Azerbaijan's actions align with its legal framework and international principles of reciprocity.

The closure of Rossotrudnichestvo’s office in Azerbaijan comes amid ongoing diplomatic frictions between the two countries. The Russian federal agency, which promotes cultural and humanitarian ties with Russian-speaking communities abroad, has been active in several former Soviet states. The agency’s activities are often seen as part of Russia's broader strategy to maintain influence in its near abroad, particularly in countries with significant Russian diaspora populations. 

The decision to close Rossotrudnichestvo’s office in Azerbaijan, along with the shutdown of the "Russian House" in Baku, is a direct response to violations of Azerbaijani laws. Azerbaijani authorities have raised concerns over the lack of proper legal registration for these Russian cultural and informational entities, which they argue are operating in breach of national regulations. 

The dismantling of the "Russian House" sign symbolizes the broader shift in Baku’s approach to regulating foreign cultural institutions operating within its territory.

By Tamilla Hasanova