MFA statement regarding Yekaterinburg events - clear manifestation of Russian state policy

The statement of the Russian authorities, represented by the official spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, regarding the events in Yekaterinburg is a vivid manifestation of Moscow's state policy, political commentator Aziz Alibayli told Report.

According to Aziz Alibayli, Azerbaijan's demand for a thorough investigation after the AZAL civilian aircraft was shot down angered the Russian side even more.

"Despite the fact that they were wrong, committed a crime, their attitude towards Azerbaijan was very bad. We continue to see the same pattern in the events that occurred in Yekaterinburg. If a crime was committed in a cafe 20-25 years ago, it should be investigated in accordance with the law. But to go so far as to ruthlessly kill and torture people is already a direct crime. The statement made by the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, after the position outlined in Baku, became an open embodiment of the state policy pursued in Moscow," the political scientist pointed out.

He emphasized that presenting this tragedy as investigative actions, normalizing it, and acting as if nothing happened is explained as the interest and position of the Russian state:

"The interests of the Russian leadership are directly manifested here. Azerbaijan can take bilateral and multilateral political and legal steps. However, undoubtedly, there are legal agreements between the parties, they are members of the same international organizations. I think that international law does not play a role in these processes. Again, more serious steps can be taken in issues arising from relations between the two states. In particular, representatives of our influential groups in Russia at different levels, the diaspora, embassy and consulates, must do serious work," Aziz Alibayli concluded.

On the morning of June 27, the Russian Federal Security Service raided the homes of Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg. During the raid, two people were killed and several others were injured. The killed Azerbaijanis are brothers of well-known Azerbaijani journalist Seyfaddin Huseynli.

On June 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan issued a statement demanding an investigation and holding accountable "those responsible for this unacceptable act of violence." Later, the Russian Chargé d'Affaires was summoned to the Foreign Ministry and was expressed a strong protest.