Deputy denies reports of arrest warrant for Azerbaijani community leader in Yekaterinburg

Reports circulating in Russian media claiming that Shahin Shikhlinski, the head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg, has been declared wanted are false.

Azerbaijani correspondent reached out to Shikhlinski’s deputy for clarification, who firmly denied the allegations, stating, “This news was spread intentionally. Shahin Shikhlinski is not wanted; he is here.”

Shahin Shikhlinski is a prominent figure leading the Azerbaijani community in Russia as head of the “Azerbaijan-Ural” organisation based in Yekaterinburg. He has long been instrumental in organising cultural, social, and humanitarian initiatives for Azerbaijanis in the region, maintaining strong connections with both Azerbaijani authorities and local Russian officials.

On July 1, 2025, Shikhlinski and his son, Mutvali, were detained during a broader Russian security operation linked to the killing of two Azerbaijani nationals, known as the Safarov brothers, during a law enforcement raid. Russian authorities stated that Shikhlinski was being held as a witness in the ongoing investigation. However, the forceful nature of the detention — including the breaking of his vehicle’s windows and his aggressive removal — caused concern among the Azerbaijani community and observers.

While Shahin Shikhlinski was subsequently released and remains under witness status, his son Mutvali faces charges of violence against a law enforcement officer and is currently held in pre-trial detention. 

The case has gained widespread attention in both Azerbaijani and Russian media, underscoring the increasingly vulnerable position of ethnic minority leaders operating in Russia’s tightening security climate.

By Tamilla Hasanova