The controversial closure of the criminal case concerning the tragic crash of AZAL flight 1, which was shot down by Russian air defence systems last year while approaching Grozny, has uncovered a crucial new detail, according to Minval Politika.
On September 2, 2025, a secret "special conference" was held under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces to discuss the case involving the AZAL aircraft.
The meeting, which was attended by key military figures including Major General Alexander Tolopilo, First Deputy Commander of the 11th Air Force and Air Defence Army, resulted in a decision to focus on “improving interaction” in the announcement of the "Carpet" signal—aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This move has sparked further controversy as it was Tolopilo who had issued the order to shoot down the AZAL plane. Despite the devastating consequences of his command, he was allowed to participate in the meeting, deliver a report, and resume his official duties without facing any public accountability for the disaster.
Minval Politika’s investigation reveals that all official probes into General Tolopilo have now been closed, further compounding the sense of impunity surrounding the tragedy.
This development follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s promise to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev late last year in Dushanbe, where he assured Aliyev that the investigation into the incident would be completed, and those responsible would face punishment.
However, this pledge raises an important question: how can Putin’s assurances be reconciled with the fact that charges against Tolopilo were dropped prior to the meeting between the two leaders on October 9?
The timing suggests that either the Russian president was fully aware of the situation or Russia's Investigative Committee, led by Alexander Bastrykin, misinformed him.
Minval Politika reached out to the Russian Investigative Committee for clarification regarding the closure of the case, but the committee declined to comment on the matter. An official inquiry has been submitted asking on what procedural basis the decision was made.
Furthermore, the Russian Embassy in Baku also refused to comment on the closure of the case, further fuelling concerns over the lack of transparency in the investigation.
The tragic downing of AZAL flight 1 continues to be a sore point in relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, and an apparent lack of accountability raises significant doubts about the Russian authorities’ commitment to justice and transparency.
As the investigation remains shrouded in secrecy, the people of Azerbaijan, along with the families of those lost, continue to seek answers.
Oil prices fell after the U.S. expanded economic sanctions on Iran, as Tehran vowed to retaliate and warned it had tools to respond, raising concer...
Kyiv has recently received a small number of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors capable of downing Russian ballistic miss...
Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose songs, unmistakable style and warmth made her one of America’s most enduring entertainers, has died ...
Oil prices fell after the U.S. expanded economic sanctions on Iran, as Tehran vowed to retaliate and warned it had tools to respond, raising concerns over potential disruption to regional oil supplies.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv wants peace but will not surrender to Russia, as foreign leaders joined Independence Day events marking 35 years since Ukraine’s independence.
Kyiv has recently received a small number of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors capable of downing Russian ballistic missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. It comes as Britain and France pledged stronger military support for Ukraine.
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffic through the key energy chokepoint.
A newly created pro-government political party has secured a commanding victory in Kazakhstan's snap parliamentary election, according to exit polls, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's influence at a pivotal moment in the country's political transition.
Türkiye has established four sub-commissions to oversee the implementation of a new legal framework tied to the disarmament of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Central Asia is moving beyond experiments with digital assets as governments begin putting new forms of digital money into practice.
Parents in Gaza are being urged to stop their children flying kites after Israel threatened tougher military action over those drifting across the border.
Armenia is “free” to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said. He made the remarks after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he would be “very pleased” if the Russian-led military alliance expelled Armenia.
Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee has disclosed details of a criminal case involving former President Robert Kocharyan, saying he and five other people - including his son - have been detained as part of a corruption investigation.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment