Moscow, July 9 — Elshan Ibragimov, former head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in the Moscow region, has been deported from Russia, reportedly due to actions deemed a threat to national security, according to multiple Russian media outlets.
Speaking to REN TV shortly before boarding a flight to Baku, Ibragimov said the deportation order came as a complete surprise.
“Honestly, I don’t know why this is happening,” he told reporters. “It was unexpected.”
Stay Ahead with Azerbaijan.usGet exclusive translations, top stories, and analysis — straight to your inbox.
While appearing calm, he admitted he was “a little upset” about having to leave Russia, adding only, “Time will tell,” when asked about his future plans.
Citizenship Revoked
According to Telegram news channel Baza, Ibragimov had been stripped of his Russian citizenship several days prior to his deportation. The official revocation reportedly occurred on June 18, though the public only learned of the decision this week.
The legal grounds cited by authorities for both the loss of citizenship and deportation are allegations of activities that “pose a threat to the national security of the Russian Federation.” However, no specific accusations have been made public.
On the evening of July 9, Ibragimov was reportedly seen at Sheremetyevo International Airport, from where he was to be flown to Baku on an Aeroflot flight.
Broader Context
The deportation comes amid heightened tensions in Russia’s relations with some diaspora communities and follows a wave of detentions and deportations of foreign nationals over the past year, often linked to political or security-related claims.
Russian and Azerbaijani authorities have not yet issued formal statements regarding Ibragimov’s case.
