July 22, 2025 – Ankara / Baku
Azerbaijan has handed over evidence to Russian authorities confirming the torture and killing of two Azerbaijani citizens during a raid in Yekaterinburg, according to Azerbaijani Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev.
Speaking to Report during an official visit to Ankara, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan has launched a criminal case related to the deaths and is maintaining active communication with Russian law enforcement, including the Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General’s Office.
“Although Russia considers the victims its own citizens, Azerbaijan— which does not recognize dual citizenship — regards them solely as Azerbaijani nationals,” Aliyev stated.
Forensic investigations have confirmed that the victims died as a result of torture, beatings, and severe physical injuries. “We conducted a number of investigative procedures and submitted all evidence to the Russian Investigative Committee. They have confirmed that a separate investigation is underway on their side,” he added. “We expect concrete results.”
The case stems from a deadly raid carried out by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) on June 27 in Yekaterinburg, targeting homes belonging to members of the Azerbaijani community. Two men were killed and several others injured. The deceased were brothers of well-known journalist Seyfeddin Huseynli and were laid to rest on July 1 in the Aghjabadi district of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly called on Moscow to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation and to hold those responsible accountable. In protest, the Russian ambassador and chargé d’affaires were summoned to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, where a formal complaint was lodged.
Following the incident, Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office launched a criminal case under seven articles of the country’s penal code, including charges of aggravated murder, abuse of power resulting in serious consequences, and the killing of multiple individuals with exceptional cruelty.
A dedicated investigative team has been established, and active legal proceedings are ongoing under the direction of the Prosecutor General’s investigative department.
