Tahir Rzayev: Cruelty towards Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg unforgivable

The cruelty towards Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg is unforgivable and completely contradicts legal norms. A person may commit a crime or an offense, but it should be investigated within the law, Azerbaijani MP Tahir Rzayev told Report.

According to the deputy, the reaction of Russian law enforcement agencies was extremely brutal: "Unfortunately, Russian law enforcement agencies reacted very cruelly to these events, and as a result, two brothers were killed. Such incidents cause serious damage to relations between Azerbaijan and Russia."

Tahir Rzayev noted that President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized the importance of a healthy environment for cooperation with Russia: "Numerous people of Russian nationality live in Azerbaijan. They are treated with great respect in our country. Russian schools function in Azerbaijan, and the Russian language is taught in higher educational institutions. However, in recent months, certain provocations directed against Azerbaijanis living in Russia, the oppression and killing of people there - this is an intolerable situation. The consequences of what happened can be severe. Azerbaijan always strives to improve relations with Russia. The measures taken in this direction are designed to develop cooperation between the countries. However, pro-Armenian forces in Russia can influence the policy of this country in a certain way, on the activities of its administrative bodies. This is not good and can lead to serious consequences. The Azerbaijani people rightfully demand explanations from Russia. These explanations should be provided," the deputy concluded.

On the morning of June 27, the Russian FSB raided the homes of Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg. During the raid, two people were killed and several others were injured. The killed Azerbaijanis were brothers of the well-known 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 sharp protest in connection with the incident.