Russian ombudsman requests probe on Yekaterinburg incident after Azerbaijan’s appeal

Commissioner for Human Rights of Russia Tatyana Moskalkova has formally requested the Prosecutor General’s Office to investigate the recent detention of Azerbaijani diaspora members in Yekaterinburg, following an official appeal from Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva.

According to a statement posted on Moskalkova’s official Telegram channel, Aliyeva sought clarification on the events of June 27, which involved the detention, injury, and death of individuals within the Azerbaijani community in Russia, Caliber.Az reports.

In response, Moskalkova emphasised the importance of ensuring the legality and justification of the detentions. She requested a thorough review of whether the rights of both the suspects and victims were respected throughout the process.

Additionally, Moskalkova confirmed ongoing coordination with Tatiana Merzlyakova, the Human Rights Commissioner for the Sverdlovsk Region.

Merzlyakova, in turn, is maintaining close communication with legal representatives and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg to monitor developments closely.

To recall, on the morning of June 27, Russian security forces conducted coordinated raids targeting several apartments belonging to members of the Safarov family, a group of Russian citizens of Azerbaijani descent originally from the Aghdam district of Azerbaijan. The operation took place in multiple districts of Yekaterinburg, commencing at approximately 5:00 a.m.

The Safarov family members have long been residents of Yekaterinburg, and the raids were reportedly linked to an unresolved criminal case dating back to 2001 involving a murder at a café formerly owned by the family. The circumstances surrounding the raids and the allegations remain under scrutiny.

During the operation, two brothers, Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov, were killed in what witnesses and community members describe as brutal circumstances.

In addition, eight other family members sustained various injuries resulting from physical violence inflicted during the raids. Among the injured, Akif, Ayaz, Kamal, and Mazahir Safarov were hospitalised and remain in serious condition.

In total, nine individuals from the Safarov family were detained by Russian law enforcement authorities during the raids. The Azerbaijani community in Yekaterinburg has voiced grave concerns over the conduct of the operation and the treatment of those involved.

In response to the incident, Azerbaijani authorities have formally communicated their expectation that a thorough and transparent investigation be conducted.

Baku has urged the prompt prosecution of all individuals responsible for the use of excessive force and violence during the operation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev