Moscow claims Baku blocking consular access to imprisoned Russians
(MENAFN) Azerbaijan has refused Russian diplomats access to the Russian citizens recently arrested in Baku, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
At least ten Russian nationals, including two senior journalists from Sputnik Azerbaijan, have been placed in pre-trial detention for four months, following their arrest on Monday. Moscow has condemned the detentions as “unlawful” and demanded their immediate release.
Zakharova stated during a press briefing on Wednesday that Russian officials had requested consular access to the detainees, but Azerbaijani authorities had not yet granted it. She warned against further attempts to escalate the situation, criticizing Azerbaijani media for spreading “fake news” and stressing that such actions harm bilateral ties.
She also dismissed reports suggesting Azerbaijan might close Russian-language schools, citing a denial from Baku’s Education Ministry. Zakharova later confirmed to RIA Novosti that consular access had been tentatively agreed upon for Thursday.
Relations between Moscow and Baku have deteriorated recently, following a Russian police raid in Yekaterinburg targeting an alleged Azerbaijani ethnic crime group linked to murders dating back to 2001. Two elderly suspects died during the operation, one reportedly from heart failure, sparking outrage in Azerbaijani media and among officials, who accused Russia of ethnic discrimination.
Russian authorities reported on Wednesday that five of six suspects have been charged, with one cooperating with investigators.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that law enforcement officials from both countries are in direct talks. He also acknowledged video footage showing bruised Russian detainees in Azerbaijan, emphasizing that Moscow is monitoring the situation closely and will defend its citizens’ rights through all available means.
The Russian embassy in Baku confirmed an increase in complaints from Russian nationals about violence against them and their families in Azerbaijan.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
