Russia puts head of Azerbaijani Diaspora in Ural on wanted list

Shahin Shikhlinski, the head of the public organization Azerbaijan-Ural, has been declared wanted by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), Report informs, citing Russian media.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs notes that Shikhlinski is wanted under a criminal code article, though the specific charge has not been disclosed.

This development follows the arrest of his son, Mutvali Shikhlinski, by the Leninsky District Court of Yekaterinburg earlier in July. He was detained for two months in connection with an incident on July 1 near the Baku Plaza shopping center. During the incident, FSB officers reportedly confronted Shahin Shikhlinski while he was in a vehicle driven by his son. In court, Mutvali claimed he did not see the officer on his right and expressed regret for what had happened.

The broader context includes a major raid carried out by the Russian FSB on June 27 targeting homes of Azerbaijani residents in Yekaterinburg. The operation resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to several others. The deceased were brothers of prominent journalist Seifaddin Huseynli and were buried in Aghjabadi, Azerbaijan, on July 1. Eight Azerbaijani nationals were also arrested, allegedly for involvement in a series of murders committed in previous years.

In response, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has repeatedly demanded a transparent investigation and accountability for an unacceptable act of violence against Azerbaijani citizens. Both the Russian chargé d'affaires and ambassador in Baku were summoned and formally protested to.

The Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's Office has opened a criminal case under seven articles, including premeditated murder with special cruelty, multiple homicides, and abuse of official power leading to serious consequences. A special investigative team has been formed, and active proceedings are underway.