Russian spokesperson: Access to detained citizens in Azerbaijan agreed on

Consular officers have been granted access to 13 Russian citizens detained in Azerbaijan, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed to TASS.

"Consular officers' access to 13 Russian citizens detained in Azerbaijan has been agreed," she said, Caliber.Az reports.

The detentions followed a June 30 raid by Azerbaijani police on the Baku office of Sputnik-Azerbaijan, during which two individuals identified as Russian FSB officers were taken into custody. Despite an earlier suspension of its activities, the Russian state-run agency reportedly continued operations, prompting authorities to intervene.

Azerbaijani officials cited the need to maintain parity in media representation between Russia and Azerbaijan as a justification for the action. The Interior Ministry has confirmed the detentions, with further details to be disclosed.

In a separate development, Azerbaijani law enforcement arrested two groups of Russian citizens in Baku on suspicion of drug trafficking.

Authorities continue investigations into both cases.

By Sabina Mammadli