Azerbaijanis and other Turkic-speaking ethnic groups in Russia are considered some of the oldest autochthonous (native) peoples of modern Russia. These ethnic groups are recognized as state-forming nations in the constitutions of several subjects of the Russian Federation. Ethnic background should never be a reason or pretext for discrimination, including deprivation of citizenship. Violating the presumption of innocence based on ethnic affiliation is a violation of the Russian Federation’s Criminal Code and international obligations. Actions by state or public structures that directly or indirectly promote activities aimed at disrupting national agreement and stability are considered criminal.
These statements were made by Azerbaijan’s former foreign minister, Tofig Zulfugarov.
Zulfugarov proposed the following measures in light of recent developments:
“The practice of recording illegal actions by government representatives or individual citizen groups should be widely implemented. Diaspora organizations should assist in gathering such materials, which should then be presented to courts, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the media. Embassies and consulates must strengthen interactions with citizens in their consular districts, increasing their activities aimed at protecting their legal rights.”
The former diplomat emphasized that criminal actions against both Azerbaijanis and non-nationals should not go unanswered:
“These actions are, first and foremost, contrary to Russian law. These proposals are the most effective legal means of fighting back. They need to be exposed and brought to trial at the judicial level, with broad media coverage, and cooperation with other ethnic groups should be fostered.”
He also noted to Oxu.Az, that Azerbaijan’s legal and international rights should be pursued through publicizing the issue within international law:
“It is true that such steps may not yield immediate results in Russia. However, Russia has international obligations and is a member of various conventions. The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the right not to be deprived of citizenship. Russia has accepted this declaration. Therefore, actions contrary to this declaration also violate Russia’s international obligations. Thus, diaspora organizations should file claims in courts accordingly.”
