The Azerbaijan National NGO Forum has sent an open letter to Russia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mikhail Yevdokimov.
APA reports that the letter relates to correspondence from Alexander Bastrykin, chairman of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, addressed to Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General concerning the AZAL aircraft incident, which has been made public in the media.
"We - the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, which brings together hundreds of Azerbaijani non-governmental organisations - are addressing you in connection with the letter from Alexander Bastrykin, chairman of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, to the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan regarding the AZAL aircraft incident, which has been publicised in the media.
At a time when Azerbaijani society expects Russia’s investigative authorities to identify those responsible for the AZAL aircraft that was struck by missiles fired from a Pantsir-S1 air-defence system in the skies over Grozny on 25 December 2024 and to impose the severest punishment on them, Alexander Bastrykin’s announcement that the criminal case has been closed is incomprehensible and unacceptable.
Disregarding photographic evidence and video footage, and claiming that the aircraft was allegedly unable to land in Grozny due to adverse weather conditions, amounts to trampling on the memory of innocent people who were killed or injured in the incident and applauding those who opened fire on them. Azerbaijani society responds to this with deep outrage and rejects it.
The bloody incident that Bastrykin is attempting to cover up is a matter of national honour for the Azerbaijani people. We will not remain silent. If the Russian side believes that apologising to Azerbaijan is sufficient to close the matter, it is profoundly mistaken.
The crime in question must be acknowledged, every perpetrator must be held criminally accountable, and compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state as well as to the affected passengers and crew members. International practice and basic human decency demand nothing less.
The shooting down of a civilian aircraft is prohibited under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. Bastrykin’s letter once again contradicts the Chicago Convention, in particular Annex 13, titled "Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation". This tragedy must not be covered up; on the contrary, all necessary measures must be taken to ensure a full investigation.
The substance of Alexander Bastrykin’s letter clearly differs from the position expressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and, by effectively seeking to evade responsibility, constitutes a legal and political provocation.
On 9 October 2025 in Dushanbe, Vladimir Putin acknowledged that there had been technical malfunctions in Russia’s air-defence system in connection with the shooting down of the AZAL aircraft and stated that, as required in such tragic circumstances, Russia would do everything necessary regarding compensation and would provide a legal assessment of the actions of all officials involved.
Ambassador, we ask you to respond: who represents Russia’s official position on this matter — President Vladimir Putin or the chairman of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin?
We expect you to receive the board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum and to respond to our question," the letter states.
China’s ruling Communist Party is stepping up oversight of technology firms, internet platforms and digital finance in a sweeping drive to ta...
A wave of bomb threats targeting passenger flights has disrupted air travel across Europe, forcing diversions, airport closures and fighter jet esc...
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington will end its annual financial and military aid to Israel by the end of 2026, under an agreement he clai...
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the U.S. must act to prevent war after Tehran sent a “strong and rational response” to Washington. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out limited strikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island,
Hundreds of millions of U.S. citizens head to the polls on 3 November to elect the House of Representatives and Senate. How they vote could influence the direction of Donald Trump’s remaining 26 months in office and the outcomes of the Ukraine and Iran conflicts.
A six-day humanitarian ceasefire in the Russian-held Ukrainian town of Oleshky ended on Sunday, 1 November, after facilitating aid deliveries and civilian evacuations.
Kyrgyzstan has emerged as Central Asia’s fastest-growing economy, fuelled by a construction boom, public investment and trade linked to Russia. But with Western sanctions tightening, can the country sustain its rapid growth?
Russia airstrikes on a school used as a humanitarian aid distribution point in southeastern Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region killed at least 26 people, including rescue workers and police officers, Ukrainian officials said. Another 27 people were reported missing.
A new book examining Azerbaijan’s military strategy, technology and operations during the Garabagh wars has been unveiled in Baku, offering insights into the country’s victories and lessons for modern warfare.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the U.S. must act to prevent war after Tehran sent a “strong and rational response” to Washington. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out limited strikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island,
Tajikistan has banned electronic cigarettes and nicotine delivery systems, becoming the latest Central Asian country to outlaw their production, import and sale as part of a wider push to protect public health.
Kyrgyzstan has emerged as Central Asia’s fastest-growing economy, fuelled by a construction boom, public investment and trade linked to Russia. But with Western sanctions tightening, can the country sustain its rapid growth?
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the government plans to publish a draft of the country's new constitution in November, with public consultations to follow, as constitutional reforms remain a key issue in efforts to secure a final peace agreement with Azerbaijan.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment