Baku calls MP Azer Badamov's detention in Russia 'unfriendly step'

The Spokesperson of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aykhan Hajizada, commented on the refusal of entry of an Azerbaijani MP, Azer Badamov, into the territory of the Russian Federation, Report informs.

Hajizada said the incident took place today: "It should be noted that the visit of the delegation, which included Member of the Milli Majlis Azer Badamov, to the city of Astrakhan was organized at the invitation of the Deputy Governor of the Astrakhan Region of the Russian Federation – Chairman of the Government, Denis Afanasyev, to participate in events dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, National Leader of Azerbaijani people.

Although the delegation flew from Baku to Moscow, the Russian side, without any prior warning or notification, stopped the Member of Parliament Azer Badamov at the airport in Moscow and informed him that he was banned from entering the country. After being held at the Moscow airport for some time, he was sent back to our country.

Following this development, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was immediately contacted through our Embassy in Russia. Stating that the issue would be investigated, a representative of the Russian MFA did not provide any explanation regarding the reasons behind this decision.

We view this decision of the Russian side to be an unfriendly step and expect a substantiated explanation from Russia regarding the matter."