Kremlin condemns Baku arrests of Russian journalists as diplomatic breach

Dmitry Peskov, press secretary to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that the detention of Russian journalists in Baku is completely inconsistent with accepted norms and the spirit of bilateral relations.

"We are specifically talking about journalists. And, of course, such measures against members of the media are entirely inconsistent with established norms and rules, as well as with the spirit and nature of Russian-Azerbaijani relations," Caliber.Az quotes Peskov as saying per Russian media.

Note that, on June 30, as a result of investigative and operational measures carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs at Sputnik-Azerbaijan, seven people were detained.

According to information received by local media, a criminal case has been opened under articles of the Criminal Code relating to fraud, illegal entrepreneurship, and money laundering. Two individuals have been arrested, while five others face criminal charges. The investigation into the criminal case is ongoing.

Although Sputnik-Azerbaijan had officially suspended its activities, it reportedly continued limited operations, prompting law enforcement intervention. The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the detentions and said further information would be released in due course.

The operation follows a government directive aimed at balancing the presence of Russian and Azerbaijani state media correspondents in each country.

Sputnik-Azerbaijan, which formerly employed around 40 staff, was ordered to reduce its operations in line with this policy. The recent police action enforces these restrictions and asserts control over the agency’s premises.

By Aghakazim Guliyev