Russia rejects Baku’s claims about Yekaterinburg raids, says arrests linked to past crimes

ISTANBUL

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday dismissed Azerbaijan’s protest about the detention of several ethnic Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg, stating they are Russians suspected of serious crimes committed in past years.

“The Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for Sverdlovsk Region has already commented on the case,” spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement, responding to Baku’s condemnation of the June 27 raids.

She emphasized that the suspects, while of Azerbaijani descent, are citizens of Russia and were apprehended in connection with investigations into grave crimes.

Zakharova said the Russian chargé d’affaires in Baku, Pavel Volokov, had been summoned to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry on June 28, where he “provided the necessary explanations” and reassured officials that the situation was under control.

“Investigative actions on the mentioned criminal cases are ongoing. More detailed information will be made public by the Investigative Committee as it becomes available,” she added.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry had earlier voiced deep concern about the operations, alleging that some Azerbaijani nationals were killed or seriously injured, and nine others detained.

Baku called for an urgent investigation and the prosecution of those responsible for the “unacceptable violence.”

The tensions come amid broader sensitivities between Moscow and Baku about ethnic and diaspora issues, although both have previously pledged cooperation on security matters.