Readovka: Head of Azerbaijani diaspora organisation stripped of Russian citizenship

Bakhtiyar Hasanov, Chairman of the National-Cultural Autonomy of Azerbaijanis in Moscow, has been stripped of his Russian citizenship, according to the Telegram channel Readovka, which is close to Russian authorities.

The move is reportedly linked to Hasanov’s alleged long-standing involvement in shadow schemes, including facilitating illegal migration and counterfeit operations.

Hasanov reportedly obtained his Russian passport in the early 2000s.

Tensions escalated between Baku and Moscow after Russian police raids in Yekaterinburg on June 27, 2025, detaining roughly 50 ethnic Azerbaijanis (many dual citizens) over an alleged 2001 murder investigation. Two brothers, Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov (Russian passport holders), died in custody—autopsies in Azerbaijan revealed torture (broken ribs, internal injuries). Azerbaijan arrested over 10 Russian nationals (including Sputnik journalists) on charges like espionage and drug trafficking. In response, Russia widened crackdowns, including citizenship revocations for diaspora leaders.