Why should Azerbaijan serve as barrier to migrants? The unlikely gatekeeper to Europe’s borders

Afghan citizen Fawzan Mosa Khan, sentenced to 10 years in prison for planning terrorist activities on the territory of Azerbaijan, and his lawyer have filed an appeal with the higher court based on the decision of the Baku Court of Grave Crimes.

Fawzan Mosa Khan, born in 1990, planned to carry out a terrorist attack in Azerbaijan and arrived in the Republic of Azerbaijan from a third country for this purpose. He was spotted near the embassy of a foreign country multiple times, clearly visiting with the aim of surveilling the diplomatic mission.

Furthermore, it was established that Fawzan Mosa Khan was actively seeking accomplices (yes, it's fun to eat chicken alone, but to blow up an embassy, you need helpers), persuading and recruiting, working tirelessly. He also tried to acquire firearms and explosives. Additionally, the citizen was actively in contact and negotiating with other individuals regarding financial support. Obliviously, financial support was needed to purchase weapons and explosives.

The State Security Service (SSS) has released a video recording of Fawzan Mosa Khan’s conversations about planning a terrorist attack. Experts noted that the area shown in the video houses several embassies.

Fawzan Mosa Khan and his lawyer, who have appealed to a higher court, argue that during the investigation, the defendant behaved honestly, essentially cooperating and even showing remorse. They now seek either a pardon or at least a reduction in his sentence. However, as the saying goes, the devil is in the details: according to the case materials reviewed by the court, it is clear that Fawzan Mosa Khan was in contact with specific members of an illegal armed group, which is recognized by the international community as a terrorist organization that operates fairly successfully (though I’m not sure “successfully” is the most appropriate term here) in several countries. But that’s not all.

The fight against terrorism is undoubtedly crucial and necessary. As a country that has been a repeated victim of terrorist acts, Azerbaijan does not accept any compromises in this regard, especially considering that during an attack on the embassy of any nation—regardless of how friendly or unfriendly it may be—Azerbaijani citizens could be harmed, which is absolutely unacceptable. However, there is one particular detail that led the State Security Service (SSS) to initiate a separate criminal case.

It was revealed that members of this terrorist organization attempted to use Azerbaijan as a transit country to redirect foreign migrants to European countries, with the crossing planned to be illegal. As part of a separate criminal case, investigative and operational measures are already underway, and criminal prosecution has been initiated against those involved. However, the question remains: Should Azerbaijan be expending its resources on this issue? The country has been proactive in detaining and preventing illegal activities, and when necessary, even imposing penalties (as confirmed by reports from the State Border Service). But are Azerbaijan's respected partners in the EU always honest with it? And should Azerbaijan serve as a barrier to illegal migration to European countries that do not exhibit friendly relations with the country?

Once again, it must be emphasized that terrorists must be captured, and they will be. However, the question arises: Is it worth spending time on apprehending unfortunate individuals from some Middle Eastern country who, in search of a better life, have decided to flee their war-torn homeland for prosperous countries like France, Belgium, or the Netherlands?

For context: France actively participated in operations in Afghanistan and is involved in Syria, yet now it seems unhappy that Afghan nationals want to experience the latest developments of French life. So why should Azerbaijan take on the responsibility of acting as a barrier and preventing the transit of migrants to EU countries? In fact, it may be time for Azerbaijan to acknowledge the legitimate aspirations of Syrians, Afghans, Iraqis, and other citizens from developing countries, who are not involved in any criminal activities and simply wish to, for example, take a walk along the Champs-Élysées or admire the medieval cathedrals of Belgium and the Netherlands.

These are not terrorists, no such information appears in Azerbaijan's databases, and no weapons have been found. They cannot be accused of anything. Therefore, the most reasonable action would be to release them with a simple "Go on your way." What does it matter to Azerbaijan what they plan to do in Lyon or wherever they are headed? It doesn’t—let the French immigration service catch them in Lyon; they are paid to handle that. So, "your problems are your problems." There is no need for Azerbaijan to exert additional effort for the benefit of citizens in European countries that are not particularly friendly, as such efforts would likely go unappreciated.