Russia denies entry to Azerbaijani MP amid diplomatic tensions

An Azerbaijani delegation traveling to Russia for events commemorating the anniversary of Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev’s birth faced an unexpected disruption when MP Azer Badamov was detained at Moscow Airport and denied entry into the country.

The delegation had traveled to the Astrakhan region at the invitation of the Russian side, with organisational support from the Executive Power of the Absheron district, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Badamov was prevented from boarding a flight to Astrakhan and informed that he had been placed on Russia’s “blacklist.” No official explanation for the travel ban was provided, but it is believed that the decision may be linked to Badamov’s political activities.

Currently, Badamov is on a flight back to Azerbaijan. The ban on his entry could be related to his public remarks in response to comments made by Russian MP Nikolai Valuev. Valuev’s statements were widely perceived as offensive to the Azerbaijani people and government, prompting Badamov’s outspoken criticism. 

Earlier, while speaking on the issue of the closure of the Russian information and cultural center, “Russian House”, which is the representative office of the “Rossotrudnichestvo” agency in Azerbaijan, Russian State Duma member Nikolai Valuev voiced offensive statements against Azerbaijan and its people.  Valuev made threats about closing Azerbaijani diaspora organisations in Russia, restricting businesses, deporting Azerbaijanis who are illegally residing in the country, as well as placing those legally residing on military duty and sending them to the front.

By Naila Huseynova