NGO head: Actions of Russian authorities resemble intimidation campaign

Recent events in Russia have sparked serious concern in Azerbaijan, following the brutal arrest and torture of several Azerbaijani citizens in Yekaterinburg. The individuals were allegedly detained in connection with a 25-year-old criminal case, which appears to reflect a deliberate campaign of intimidation against the Azerbaijani community living in the country.

Speaking to Azertag, Farhad Mammadov, Director of the South Caucasus Research Center, told Azertag that the incident appears to go beyond standard legal procedure and give the impression of a more coordinated and targeted campaign, Caliber.Az reports. 

“The way Russian media covered the incident—particularly the attack on  Azerbaijanis as a nation —deepens our concern. There was already tension in Azerbaijani-Russian relations following the aircraft incident. This event is likely to further aggravate the situation. There are clear signs of a deliberate campaign behind this incident. According to the information received, the torture was carried out directly by representatives of the Federal Security Service [FSB]. However, such investigations and judicial processes are usually under the jurisdiction of the prosecutor’s office or the police. This raises additional questions,” he said.

Mammadov acknowledged that while it is within Russia’s sovereign rights to amend its migration laws, such measures must be implemented in a legal and non-discriminatory manner. 

“Even the strictest laws must be applied fairly and equally to all individuals,” he said.

In response to the incident, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry has issued a strong condemnation. A representative of the Russian Embassy in Baku was summoned, and an official protest was lodged. Authorities in Baku reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rights of Azerbaijani citizens abroad and emphasised that this principle remains a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy.

“These events in Yekaterinburg will undoubtedly lead to a certain deterioration in the broad and multifaceted relations between the two countries,” he said. 

By Sabina Mammadli