Azerbaijani Parliament Delegation Cancels Moscow Visit Amid Human Rights Concerns and Violence Incidents
In response to escalating cases of violence and human rights violations against Azerbaijani citizens in Russia, the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation, led by First Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Ali Ahmedov, has decided to cancel its planned visit to Moscow. The visit was scheduled to participate in the 23rd session of the inter-parliamentary cooperation commission between Azerbaijan and Russia, but it will no longer take place. The reasons cited include a systematic pattern of targeted violence and arrests against Azerbaijani nationals in Yekaterinburg. According to the Azerbaijani publication Report, the Milli Majlis press service stated that Russian law enforcement authorities have repeatedly used force without judicial proceedings, raising significant concern and prompting diplomatic protests. Additionally, Azerbaijan has canceled all cultural events scheduled in Russia, such as concerts, exhibitions, and festivals, amid increasing tensions in bilateral relations. Furthermore, as part of the investigation into the 24-year-old murder of Yunus Pashaev, Russian security forces conducted large-scale raids in Yekaterinburg, detaining more than 50 individuals, including brothers Guseyn and Ziyaddin Safarov, both of whom died during these operations. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Baku to express its firm protest against these human rights violations and demonstrate diplomatic disapproval.