Russian court extends custody of Azerbaijani nationals in cold case murder probe

A district court in Yekaterinburg has extended the pre-trial detention of two Azerbaijani nationals who are accused in connection with an alleged murder dating back several years.

The Verkh-Isetsky District Court ruled to prolong the custody of Aziz Abbasov and Shahin Lalayev until October 19, 2025, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The court’s joint press service stated that the decision was made following a review of the case materials and at the request of the lead investigator.

This follows an earlier ruling by the same court to extend detention for several other Azerbaijani nationals, including the five Safarov brothers and Ahliman Ganjiyev, who are also accused of involvement in a historic murder case.

"The court considered the investigative materials and granted the extension of detention until October 19," officials confirmed.

On June 27, Russian security forces—including the FSB, National Guard, and Sverdlovsk Region police—launched large-scale raids in Yekaterinburg targeting ethnic Azerbaijanis. The operation, aimed at dismantling a suspected “ethnic criminal group” allegedly linked to violent crimes from 2001, 2010, and 2011, led to the detention of around 50 individuals.

Among those arrested were eight Azerbaijani nationals: Ayaz, Akif, Mazahir, Kamal, and Bakir Safarov, along with Ahliman Ganjiyev, Shahin Lalayev, and Aziz Abbasov.

Tragically, two Azerbaijani brothers—Huseyn Safarov (60) and Ziyaddin Safarov (55)—died following the raids. Russian authorities claimed one suffered heart failure, while the cause of the second death remains under investigation. 

However, post-mortem examinations conducted in Azerbaijan concluded both men died from “post-traumatic shock” caused by severe beatings, noting extensive fractures and head injuries.

By Aghakazim Guliyev