Azerbaijan suspends all cultural collaborations with Russia amid rising tensions and human rights violations
In response to recent developments and escalating tensions between the two nations, Azerbaijan has officially announced the suspension of all cultural events organized in collaboration with Russian governmental and private institutions. This includes cancellations of concerts, festivals, theater performances, exhibitions, and other cultural programs scheduled to take place within Azerbaijani territory. The Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan issued this statement amidst growing concerns over human rights abuses, particularly violent actions and repressions against Azerbaijani citizens in Russia. The primary reason cited was the systematic violence by Russian law enforcement agencies, which, according to Azerbaijani authorities, targeted Azerbaijani nationals based on their ethnic background. Recent events in Yekaterinburg, where Russian forces conducted large-scale raids detaining dozens of Azerbaijani residents—some of whom suffered severe physical abuse—have intensified this concern. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reports that during these raids, detainees were subjected to brutal beatings, threats, the use of electrical torture, and threats of being sent to fight in Ukraine. At least two individuals lost their lives during these operations. A court in Yekaterinburg has already detained two suspects, Mazihr and Akif Safarov, accused of involvement in a premeditated group murder. These revelations sparked diplomatic protests from Azerbaijan, with media outlets drawing parallels between recent Russian actions and the atrocities committed in 1930s Nazi Germany. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his desire to receive an official apology from Russia and called upon Moscow to halt its violence. As a sign of their disapproval, the Azerbaijani leader declined to participate in the Victory Day celebrations held on Red Square, organized by Russian authorities. These events mark a significant deterioration in Azerbaijani-Russian relations, affecting not only political diplomacy but also cultural exchanges and mutual trust.