Leader of Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg declared wanted

The Russian state news agency has reported that Shahin Shykhlinski, head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg, has been declared wanted in connection with a criminal offense.

Shykhlinski’s name appears in the regional database of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, according to TASS, which cited: “Reason for search – wanted under the Criminal Code.”

Shahin Shykhlinski and his son, Mutvala Shykhlinski, were detained on 11th July in Yekaterinburg and taken to the Investigative Committee for questioning. While Shahin was later released, Mutvala remained in custody after reportedly striking a law enforcement officer with a vehicle. On 16th July, he was formally charged with using violence against a government official.

Another Russian outlet "Kommersant" did not rule out that law enforcement officers may consider Shahin Shykhlinski as the leader of an ethnic group suspected of involvement in several murders committed in 2000s. 

Russian special forces conducted a series of raids on Azerbaijani households in Yekaterinburg and mass detention of Azerbaijani nationals on 27th June, resulted in escalation of tensions between the two countries. 

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